Evening news segments often mix critical weather reports with political stories, wrapped up in a 30-minute broadcast. Networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC determine which political issues are labeled as scandals and which ones are downplayed. This can create a clear partisan divide, where Republican scandals are treated as urgent and significant, while Democratic ones might be overlooked or labeled as mere partisan attacks.
Take, for example, the events surrounding the January 6th riots. When then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi established a “special committee,” it was described as a historic, bipartisan effort, highlighting just two Republicans who were handpicked to align with her agenda. The networks aired those hearings live, often during prime time. Yet, when Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer sought to investigate issues related to former President Joe Biden, it seemed like these networks had turned away from the story altogether.
One significant scandal that does garner attention concerns Biden’s mental fitness during his presidency. Many feel the Democrats are hesitant to address concerns surrounding his capability, even as they whisper about another run for office.
In a recent I&I/TIPP poll conducted in May, 58% of respondents supported hearings or even criminal investigations regarding the Biden administration, while only 30% felt a lack of action was acceptable. Interestingly, those calling for accountability seem to be in the minority on the network.
In the wake of a striking New York Times article that noted Biden taking responsibility for decisions made through an autopen, the networks’ coverage was surprisingly minimal. NBC offered just 34 seconds of airtime, while other outlets completely bypassed the subject.
Earlier this week, NBC published a story that portrayed Rep. Comer’s use of digital signatures in a rather dismissive light, which didn’t even make it to their “Today” or “Nightly News” programs—it felt more like an attempt to distract than to inform.
Moreover, the Comer committee’s subpoena of Jill Biden’s advisor raised eyebrows. This advisor was featured prominently in a book discussing Biden’s cognitive decline, yet many viewed her testimony as lacking substance. Comer expressed frustration afterward, noting that Americans deserve clarity about who is representing them.
When it comes to coverage regarding Trump, the dramatic contrasts couldn’t be clearer. The networks devoted considerable time to Trump’s scandals—specifically relating to Jeffrey Epstein—ranging over 20 minutes in a few days, while Biden-related matters were relegated to the sidelines.
This disparity in coverage showcases how different narratives can be constructed around scandals, depending on the political affiliation involved. It seems that if it serves the narrative of a particular party, it gains traction. Some stories fade away, while others are amplified far beyond their real importance.
