Weird’ Label Dominates Media Coverage Of Trump-Vance Ticket

Corporate media networks have intensified their efforts to brand the Trump-Vance ticket as “weird,” using the term over 160 times each on Monday alone. CNN and MSNBC have both adopted the term as a primary attack against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH).

The campaign to label the ticket as “weird” began after Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota used the term on “Morning Joe” on July 23. The term quickly gained popularity among Democrats and media outlets following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

Since Trump announced Vance as his running mate on July 15 during the Republican National Convention, old interviews and speeches by Vance have resurfaced. These include moments where Vance questioned why prominent Democrats such as Harris, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg do not have children. These remarks contributed to the “weird” label being applied to Vance. Additionally, Trump’s references to Hannibal Lecter and sharks during rallies have been cited by Democrats to justify calling him “weird.”

On Monday, MSNBC used the term “weird” 179 times in relation to Trump or Vance, according to the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF). “Inside with Jen Psaki,” hosted by the former White House press secretary, used the term 35 times. “Morning Joe” used it 32 times, featuring Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, who also referred to the ticket as “weird.”

CNN was not far behind, using the term 170 times on Monday. Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell and Barbara Lee of California both described Trump and Vance as “weird.” Swalwell said on “CNN This Morning” that Harris would never choose someone “as weird and creepy as J.D. Vance.” Lee stated on “CNN News Central” that Vance’s selection revealed Trump’s true beliefs, calling him “weird” and “pretty unprepared.”

Tom Elliot, founder of Grabien News, noted that both CNN and MSNBC used the term over 150 times during the weekend. He explained that hosts frequently set up segments to reinforce the “weird” label in viewers’ minds by prompting guests to agree with the characterization of Vance as “weird.”

As the 2024 election approaches, this coordinated media effort aims to shape public perception of the Trump-Vance ticket. The frequent use of the term “weird” by major networks highlights the intensity of the campaign to influence how voters view the Republican candidates. This messaging strategy is likely to persist as the political season continues, potentially impacting the outcome of the election.