President Donald Trump gave an impromptu with the New York Times Washington Correspondent Michael Schmidt at his Mar-A-Lago property Thursday. Alexander Heffner, Host of PBS' "The Open Mind," explains what this interview reveals about the relationship between Trump and the media.
"All forms of media will tank if I'm not there because without me, their ratings are going down the tubes," Trump told the NYTimes. Heffner says the report in the New York Times showcasing a thirty minute conversation with Trump amplifies the president's microphone.
"There is incest in every situation with Trump and the media," said Heffner. "There's incest when you want access." Schmidt reportedly crossed paths with Trump while he was meeting Newsmax founder Chris Ruddy at the Florida resort.
"We have to acknowledge--I think--on part of the media that its important that we use discretion, deliberation, precision in our reporting of this administration," says Heffner.
"Waiting for a politician to try and come around and court you? That's not the way any of this should go," he says, encouraging young constituents to go out and vote.
Time appears to be running out for John Kelly as White House Chief of Staff. He is under fire after reports came out saying that he hired former Staff Secretary Rob Porter, knowing he had a history of domestic abuse. The White House denied that it knew about Porter's background, until now. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Capitol Hill saying that the FBI had closed its file on Porter, and given a report to the White House when Porter was trying to get security clearance.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) went on the hunt for a battery from a broken-down Tesla Model S which he is now using to power his home. He says his family's first question was whether they'd still have air conditioning!
Congressman Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) lives completely off the power grid. His house runs completely by renewable energy. As a libertarian, the congressman says a more independent America would be a more prosperous America.
Chipotle announces a new CEO. Dominos and Tinder and teaming up for Valentine's Day. The Director of National Intelligence sounds the alarm on Russia and the midterms elections. Sarah Kauss is the CEO of water bottle company S'well. Her small idea has turned into one of the most successful female-run businesses. Legal technology platform CannaRegs is on a mission to make sense of the legal landscape of marijuana for stakeholders in this growing space. Vermont Governor Phil Scott is asking legislators in his state to speed up equal pay legislation.
This Changes Things: Advice for the executives and leaders of tomorrow, brought to you by American Express OPEN. On Between Bells: Adam Rippon & The Official Johnny G. Weir win the Olympics. With SB Nation, UNO, PCMag, and more.
The National Portrait Gallery has two new additions thanks to Barack and Michelle Obama's official paintings. Latina Magazine's Taiia Young joins Cheddar to discuss the added significance to this American tradition.
A New York family will go to court Wednesday to challenge the federal government, arguing that cannabis shouldn't be a Schedule 1 drug. Amanda Ostrowitz, co-founder and CEO of CannaRegs, says the case might not change the laws.
On Between Bells: Infrastructure, budget, and John Kelly's future. Plus, major Olympic moments and the first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue of the #MeToo era. With The Young Turks, Rare Media, The Daily Caller, Royal Canin, and more.
In their annual letter, Bill and Melinda Gates share their thoughts on the Trump administration and social media's growing influence. Under Armour saw a 47% surge in international sales last quarter. Facebook's VP of U.S. Public Policy and Chief Privacy Officer joins Cheddar to discuss the importance of doing regular privacy check-ups. Ty Pennington and Amanda Brinkman, co-hosts of the show "Small Business Revolution - Main Street," tell us what to expect from the upcoming third season.
