Thread by @kurtbardella

🧵For context, this is the @latimes column I penned in August of 2022 that according to @TheAtlantic @TimAlberta's deep dive into CNN, had CEO Chris Licht bragging to his friends that he would "destroy" me.

Link: latimes.com/opinion/story/…

It's very revealing that a piece from an Asian American commentator elicited this kind of reaction. First of all, I stand by every single word I wrote. I believe the entire purpose of a news organization is to protect truth and fact, to keep its audience tethered to reality.

I believe telling the truth is not partisan. Reporting on facts is not partisan. Holding those in public office accountable for lying to their constituents is not partisan. Calling people who knowingly lie to voters “liars” is not partisan.

I believe that the greatest disservice a NEWS organization can do is place the liars on the same playing field as those who are committed to the truth. That both-siderism will only accelerate the further decline of our democracy.

I believe that there is no universe in which anything CNN does will convince the MAGA-universe to suddenly embrace them and to stop labeling organizations like CNN as "fake news."

I believe Republicans and Democrats are no longer two sides of the same coin. One side believes in democracy. The other is trying to expel it. One side believes in voting and the peaceful transition of power, the other encourages and condones violence.

These principles I wrote about provoked the CEO of CNN to declare his intention to "destroy" me. Think about that. Someone advocating for fact & truth. For democracy and the institution of the free press. That's who the top guy at CNN wants to "destroy."

Thankfully, there are many voices other than mine who deserve to be elevated - voices like @WajahatAli @DeeTwoCents @ElieNYC @ZerlinaMaxwell @mayawiley @JuanitaTolliver @Victorshi2020 etc. You can try & "destroy" me, but you cannot stop us all. Oh, and by the way, I'm still here.