Mary Bruce – ABC News
During this Thanksgiving week, it seems somewhat important to take a moment to be thankful for the role journalists continue to play in modern America.
Last week, President Trump drew attention to the importance of journalism in our democracy when he attacked two reporters – who both happen to be women – for doing their jobs.
Mary Bruce of ABC News was accused of being a “terrible person” for asking Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the brutal murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump revealed himself to be the true person of questionable character by defending bin Salman and suggesting that Khashoggi had it coming, since he was a “controversial” person.
Catherine Lucey – Bloomberg
Meanwhile, Catherine Lucey, a former reporter for the Associated Press and the Wall St. Journal, and now with Bloomberg, was singled out, for having the audacity to ask the president a question he didn’t want to hear aboard Air Force One. Lucey is the reporter who continued to do her job and ask the tough questions after the president looked at her and said, “Quiet piggy.”
During the Oval Office meeting with bin Salman, Trump accused Bruce of asking an “insubordinate” question. Reporters are not subordinate to elected officials in our system. Reporters, when doing their job, hold government officials accountable on behalf of their audience – the American people.
For this, we are thankful.
