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'A spokesperson for the Times declined to say how many cancellations the newspaper has seen, but acknowledges, “We have seen a higher volume of cancellations today than is typical.”'
Dean Baquet: “I don’t pick the front-page stories. I don’t think that’s the role of the executive editor anymore.”
One would think weighing in on the front page in the days after two mass shootings, one of which echoed Trump's rhetoric, would merit his attention
One would think weighing in on the front page in the days after two mass shootings, one of which echoed Trump's rhetoric, would merit his attention
ok, an admission:
'While Baquet and the masthead no longer write or approve front-page headlines before they go to press, he says, “The masthead and senior leadership get the front page at night, and I think we’ve gotten casual about when we look at it.”'
'While Baquet and the masthead no longer write or approve front-page headlines before they go to press, he says, “The masthead and senior leadership get the front page at night, and I think we’ve gotten casual about when we look at it.”'
.@gabrielsnyder is right. These answers from Baquet are unsatisfying, and it's clear that he views his and the NYT's role differently to how many of us do. But he's also misinterpreting what people are asking when they demand better of the Times.
@gabrielsnyder We're not asking for you to be leaders of the resistance or the opposition party. We're asking you to meet the moment and be truthful. Recognize that we are in a different era to where we were even 5-10 years ago. We've never had a President who lies *this* much, statistically.
@gabrielsnyder Baquet mentioning the crises of the Vietnam War—I get it. America has suffered through terrible times. That doesn't mean we pretend everything is okay right now.
I'd be interested to know if Baquet or any members of the masthead have visited a border detention camp recently.
I'd be interested to know if Baquet or any members of the masthead have visited a border detention camp recently.
@gabrielsnyder You may argue that that's not the role of the executive editor, either—I disagree. If you've received enough criticism that your editorial leadership and framing are out of touch, as they have, it's time to get back in touch with the most vulnerable communities out there.
@gabrielsnyder I've had exactly one in-person conversation with Baquet and we spoke of our experiences growing up as minorities in Louisiana, how that affects your worldview, and elevating the voices of underrepresented communities. I thought he understood. Maybe he just needs a reminder.
@gabrielsnyder real talk, I doubt he even remembers this convo or who I am, but I remember it. I grew up in the shadow of Edwin Edwards' corrupt legacy in Louisiana—Baquet mentions him in this CJR piece as "someone who says inflammatory statements," implying someone like Trump is not new.
@gabrielsnyder Edwards was incredibly corrupt—another similarity to Trump. But he did not inspire shooters who target and kill Latinos or a domestic terrorist who mails pipe bombs or a trio of men plotting to bomb Somali refugees. He also didn't have the national stage that Trump has.
@gabrielsnyder People are dying. People are terrified. People are fatigued by the news. Now is not the time to downplay that because you think Americans are forgetting how fraught the '60s and '70s were. (There's also a way to make that point without condescending.)
@gabrielsnyder Today's younger generations, who weren't alive then, are living through this fear, terror and uncertainty for the first time, now. Or for people in their 20s and 30s, for a second time, since immediately after 9/11. It's our duty to serve them, too.
