The CNN town hall event with Donald Trump remains the focal point of the news media industry, with the network’s Anderson Cooper chiming in with an opinion that could surprise some.
During Anderson Cooper 360 Thursday, the longtime CNN host defended the decision to host Trump for the first time in seven years.
“Before we begin with tonight’s broadcast, I want to say something about what we witnessed at last night’s town hall,” Cooper said to begin Thursday’s program. “Many of you have expressed deep anger and disappointment. Many of you are upset that someone who attempted to destroy our democracy was invited to sit on a stage in front of a crowd of Republican voters to answer questions and predictably, continued to spew lie after lie after lie. And I get it. It was disturbing.”
After mentioning Trump’s conduct in calling Kaitlan Collins “a nasty person”, Cooper reminded the audience that the former President is the Republican frontrunner, and is “running hard”. He was understanding of critics but rebuked the central point of their complaints.
“You have every right to be outraged today and angry and never watch this network again. But do you think staying in your silo and only listening to people you agree with is going to make that person go away? If we all only listen to those we agree with, it may actually do the opposite,” admitted Cooper. “If lies are allowed to go unchecked, as imperfect as our ability to check them is on a stage in real-time, those lies continue and those lies spread.
“If you’re angry or upset, I understand, but you have the power to do something about it. You can actually get involved. You can make a difference, whatever side of the aisle you’re on. After last night, none of us can say, ‘I didn’t know what’s out there. I didn’t know what’s coming’.”
