Thread by @CalebHowe

There is NO question in my mind that @BrianStelter had no intention of lionizing or butching-up al-Baghdadi's rep by arguing Trump made up the claims of "crying and whimpering" by that terrorist dick. He was trying to make a point about Trump. buff.ly/2oGIFm4

HOWEVER...

@brianstelter It is beyond my reckoning how media folks don't know the secondary implications of some things they say, or of the grounds on which they choose to make a point. How they can't foresee the obvious and predictable fallout that will come from those choices.

I MEAN IMAGINE IF...

@brianstelter Imagine a reporter in 1945 being like, 'Soldiers claiming Hitler died afraid in his bunker don't actually know so because he blew his brains out before they got there so let's be real.' That reporter would be an idiot, but you'd also legit question his motives.

NOT TO MENTION...

@brianstelter Just days ago @MaxBoot took this entire line of attack to its most idiotic conclusion when he said that al-Baghdadi supposedly not crying refuted the charge that he died a coward. THAT'S. INSANE. Why build on that?? mediaite.com/a/aaaun

AND IT'S NOT EVEN A GOOD POINT...

@brianstelter @MaxBoot On CNN and Twitter @BrianStelter argued "this has nothing to do with an evil terrorist." But of course it does. This context can't be separated.

The scumbag died, Trump said he died like a coward, and the media is like "NOT SO FAST DID HE THO?' That's nuts!!

NOT TO MENTION...

@brianstelter @MaxBoot Calling it a "lie" is almost as big a stretch as referring to that joke photoshop as a "doctored" photo. It's a characterization meant to create the most negative impression possible, not a mere reporting of fact. Can you prove he *didn't* snivel?

AND SPEAKING OF SPIN...

@brianstelter @MaxBoot In the clip @BrianStelter says GOP is ok with Trump "spinning up these stories, even about U.S. military action." Brian that's gratuitous hype. As if it somehow denigrates the military! Don't invoke the honor or ethos of the military if you don't get it.

LOOK HERE'S THE THING...

@brianstelter @MaxBoot Demeaning that terrorist is superior to defending him. It's good he died badly. It's good his name is dragged through the mud. It's good to humiliate him and his shredded corpse.

When you push back on his being a coward, like it or not, you're defending him.

I KNOW, I KNOW...

@brianstelter @MaxBoot I know you think it's about Trump telling lies easily and often. But look what zeal has brought you to. Look what you're forced to defend! You're stuck explaining how you don't *like* a terrorist you're just saying he didn't cry and whimper. Dude!

THAT'S NOT WINNING...

@brianstelter @MaxBoot Y'all have to quit dying on these crazy hills! The whole of media. Use better judgment. Who is even the audience for this? Who do you think is going to suddenly realize some fact or truth about which they were unaware? Nobody! It's just grist for the mill.

I'M JUST SAYIN.