Megyn Kelly says Dana Bash missed the mark. The criticism followed Bash’s interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
What We Know: Megyn Kelly sharply criticized CNN anchor Dana Bash after Bash’s contentious interview with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The exchange centered on the conduct of Dr. Anthony Fauci during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting Kelly to argue Bash failed to approach the interview with the skepticism expected of a journalist. Bash’s interview with Kennedy focused heavily on Fauci’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic and the administration’s handling of public health decisions. The conversation became contentious as the pair sparred over Kennedy’s assertions and Bash’s questioning. Kelly later weighed in, saying the interview demonstrated a misunderstanding of the role journalists should play when questioning government officials on controversial issues.
What They Said: “Fierce skepticism of government authority? Totally absent from CNN‘s COVID debacle. You’d think you know once bitten, twice shy. That, now, in an exchange with RFKJ, who had it right, you’d be a little humble. Nope. She was so meandering and such a lightweight in that whole discussion. My God, like ‘So are you? So are you? My job is to talk to people.’ No. What are you saying? You’re not a talk show host. Your job is to conduct an interview where you have to be armed with facts to challenge your guest, if it is a government official or a health official trying to push something as controversial as a lockdown, so that your audience walks away understanding what the weaknesses are in their position. What the eff? Why am I having to explain this to her?” -Megyn Kelly
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Bash or CNN will respond publicly to Kelly’s criticism. There’s also no indication the network views the interview differently or plans to address the broader concerns Kelly raised about its approach to COVID-related coverage.
What It Means: Kelly’s comments add another chapter to the ongoing debate over how journalists should question public officials on politically divisive topics. The exchange also underscores how interviews involving Kennedy, Fauci, and the pandemic continue to generate scrutiny from media observers across the ideological spectrum.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
Megyn Kelly, endlessly trying to stay relevant.
Because Dana Bash is?