An anonymous source leaked texts in which Democratic Senators expressed unhappiness with the coverage of the Democratic party by the Washington Watch.
(Scroll down to read the full text conversation)
In the texts, Schumer asks his fellow Democratic Senators if they should “ask the liberal journalists to step it up.” When asked to elaborate on his concerns, Schumer said “It seems more like you’re engaging more with Republicans as a publication,” citing Washington Watch’s engagement with Republican Tweets as one of his main concerns. Schumer went on to explain that one of the Democrats’ “next big moves” will be increasing their Twitter presence.
“The Republicans have been able to control the narrative when they’re able to be so active and Tweet so much and get so many messages out through [Twitter], which we probably have not taken as much advantage of as we should,” admits Senator Schumer.
Senator Hirono expresses similar plans in the leaked texts: “Let’s create a stronger Twitter presence and start tweeting about issues that are important to us like the bills we write and stances our Senators are passionate about.” Senator Manchin agrees, saying “I think the Democrats need to be more pushy with their Twitter accounts.”
Senator Markey, who also expressed concerns about the Washington Watch’s reporting in the leaked texts, is worried that negative coverage is overlooking what the Democratic party is doing well. “I think we’re in a good place right now as a country, and I think we’re making meaningful progress, while it may be labored,” says Senator Markey when asked about the texts.
The “Republican journalist” referred to in the texts is Jonah Goldberg, the Washington Watch’s most conservative reporter. In reaction to the texts, Goldberg says his reporting style is not the issue: “If they want better coverage, they just have to do better. The Democrats need to do better.” Independent Senator King agrees, saying “It’s on Senators to make themselves look good. . .There’s been a lack of interaction from the Democratic side, and it’s unfair to assume that journalists are gonna cover that slack.”
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