Book SummaryCome On, Man!, by Joe Concha

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Come On, Man!

Media bias and partisanship

Media coverage has transitioned from subtle partiality to blatant preference, particularly disadvantaging individuals who support conservative principles and are affiliated with the Republican Party.

This section summarizes the author's observation of the striking shift in media coverage over the last few decades, moving from subtle bias to outright activism in its efforts to attack Republicans and conservatives and protect Democrats at the expense of honest reporting. Concha suggests that Barack Obama's election in 2008 marked a significant transformation in the landscape of journalism. The media's elevation of Obama laid the groundwork for their clear hostility towards Donald Trump and their continuous efforts to undermine his presidency. Concha emphasizes examples of the media's unquestioning acceptance of the Steele Dossier and the exaggerated reports regarding alleged Russian rewards for targeting American troops, illustrating this change.

The manner in which the media has reported on McCain, Romney, and Trump underscores an escalating pattern of conflict and partiality aimed at figures within the Republican party.

Concha strengthens his case by highlighting the media coverage of the presidential campaigns of Republicans John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012. The press maintained a positive relationship with McCain, a decorated military hero, but faced accusations of racial insensitivity when Obama entered the fray and a campaign advertisement of his was characterized by the New York Times as having racial undertones. The depiction of Romney as a merciless tycoon, a mistreater of animals, and a biased individual was unfair, considering his reputation as a gentle and centrist competitor. Concha argues that the media's portrayal of Romney, likening him to a figure reminiscent of a ruthless corporate raider, reflects their inclination to embrace a reductive and biased perspective in their coverage of Republican contenders.

Concha focuses on the clear hostility displayed by media outlets toward Donald Trump, providing numerous examples to substantiate his assertion. CNN's regular airing of the ex-president's campaign events eclipsed the detailed policy discussions of other contenders, thus enhancing his visibility and affirming the network's portrayal of him as the opposition figure. After Trump was nominated, the network's continuous negative coverage included its presenters and commentators frequently leveling allegations against him of conspiring with Russia, engaging in racially discriminatory behavior, and committing treacherous acts. Despite encountering predominantly negative coverage in the early part of his presidency from media outlets similar to CNN, Trump's victory at the polls underscored the contrast between the views of journalists and the wider voting public, who were drawn to his stance against the political establishment and his widespread populist appeal.

Other Perspectives

• McCain's military hero status was indeed a factor in his media coverage, but it was not the sole determinant; his long tenure in the Senate and his political record also played significant roles in shaping media narratives.
• The media's coverage of Obama's campaign was subject to intense scrutiny, and while some instances may have been criticized for racial insensitivity, it is also true that many media outlets made concerted efforts to report on his candidacy with fairness and sensitivity to racial issues.
• The portrayal of Romney as a biased individual could stem from his policy positions or public statements, which some voters or commentators may have found to reflect certain biases, making it a matter of interpretation rather than unfair treatment.
• The term "ruthless corporate raider" is subjective and could be seen as an oversimplification of Romney's comprehensive career and his economic policies, which also included elements of fiscal conservatism and free-market principles.
• Hostility in media coverage can sometimes be a response to the tone and content of the political figure's own communications, which in Trump's case were often confrontational and aggressive towards the media itself.
• The decision to air more of Trump's events could be a reflection of the media responding to the public's changing consumption preferences, where sensational or entertaining content is often more sought after than in-depth policy analysis.
• The reporting on racially discriminatory behavior may have been a reflection of Trump's own public statements and policies, which were widely reported and commented upon by various media outlets, not just CNN.
• Trump's electoral success may not necessarily indicate a contrast between journalists' views and the public opinion; it could also reflect the effectiveness of his campaign strategy, the political climate, or other factors unrelated to media coverage.

Many journalists have abandoned impartial reporting, opting to participate in advocacy within a context that predominantly leans leftward.

Concha argues that modern journalism has transitioned from a focus on objectivity to open embrace of activism. Today's media landscape often involves journalists who prioritize advocating for specific political outcomes and advancing a progressive ideology, instead of impartially gathering facts and presenting diverse perspectives. Concha ascribes this shift to a widespread homogeneity of left-leaning ideology that dominates media outlets primarily located in the metropolitan areas of New York and Washington. In today's media environment, journalists frequently sense an obligation to endorse progressive policies and portray conservative perspectives unfavorably if they aspire to succeed.

Concha emphasizes several such instances. Former New York Times employee Bari Weiss described the publication's editorial environment as a "performance space," suggesting that the presentation and...

Come On, Man! Summary The shortcomings ascribed to the administration under President Biden

In this section, Concha provides a thorough examination, focusing on the myriad of missteps and miscalculations of the Biden administration, addressing domestic as well as global challenges. He argues that the administration's commitment to progressive policies, coupled with a decline in Biden's cognitive sharpness, has led to a disastrous first year in office. Concha highlights the government's mismanagement of various crises, including the disorderly withdrawal from Afghanistan, the swift escalation of inflation, the unmanaged southern border, and the drug epidemic exacerbated by the extensive spread of a powerful synthetic opioid. Biden is known for preferring strategies that offer political convenience and simplistic narratives, often injecting racial elements into discussions or ascribing the limitations of his administration's governance to the legacy of the former officeholder.

The increasing evidence of Biden's waning proficiency and mental sharpness has become increasingly evident.

Joe Concha depicts a commander-in-chief increasingly overwhelmed and mired in chaos, reliant on scripted statements and operating on a limited schedule. The author emphasizes the...

Come On, Man! Summary Coverage in the media frequently depicts Democrats in a favorable light and shows a tendency to be adversarial towards Republicans.

The section of the book delves deeply into Concha's analysis of the varying approaches that media entities adopt when reporting on politicians and their policy decisions. He argues that media representations tend to be favorable towards Democratic figures regardless of their actions. Media outlets frequently level critiques at Republicans, consistently distorting the truth to portray them in an extremely unfavorable light. Concha argues that the media's declining neutrality has led to a diminished sense of trust in it among a broad swath of Americans.

Prominent figures from the Democratic Party, including Obama, Biden, and Cuomo, frequently receive positive coverage in the media.

Concha explores the prolonged interest that the media maintained in Barack Obama, extending beyond the typical duration of post-election coverage. He notes that although the media portrayed Obama and Biden as having a solid bond, there were moments when Obama appeared to diminish the significance of Biden's perspectives on critical issues. He remembers the instance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner when Obama's microphone drop symbolized the steadfast admiration the media had...

Come On, Man! Summary Societal and cultural shifts, including specific policy crises

The author observes that considerable changes in society and culture are reflected within the political sphere and media environment, contributing to a nation that is more divided and skeptical. Concha emphasizes the increasing societal splits that correlate with diminishing confidence in our establishments, such as bodies related to governance, journalism, and policing. He further argues that the pandemic has exacerbated these inclinations, creating a climate of fear and doubt that has been exploited for political gain.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified existing societal rifts and led to a decline in confidence in established institutions.

Concha comments on the profound impact of the pandemic, noting its toll on human life and the devastation of small businesses, as well as its role in deepening existing divisions within society, particularly within the sphere of politics. Concha argues that political biases shaped America's reaction to the COVID-19 crisis, particularly regarding opinions on mask-wearing and vaccination, resulting in the right being seen as skeptical of scientific guidance, while the left appeared to wholeheartedly accept the rules and restrictions...