It’s been less than 24 hours since multiple gunmen slaughtered 14 innocent people in San Bernardino, Calif., yet the major media have already compiled a lengthy list of embarrassing missteps. From rank speculation to premature politicization, the frequent departure from simply reporting factual information isn’t going well.
Here are ten of the worst moments thus far:
- Senator Tim Kaine saying the atrocity proves America is addicted to guns.
- Former FBI assistant director, Tom Fuentes – later joined by CNN’s Harry Houck – speculating an anti-government “right-wing group” is behind the attack.
- MSNBC reporting (almost as soon as the shooting began) that the city of San Bernardino houses a Planned Parenthood.
- A gun-control activist insisting Congress could stop these tragedies, it simply chooses not to.
- George Stephanopoulos portraying President Obama as another victim in the tragedy.
- President Obama arguing the feds are powerless to stop suspected terrorists from buying guns. (Which is untrue.)
- An MSNBC guest arguing armed self defense, including armed guards, provides no security benefit.
- Chris Matthews wondering if the attack can be traced back to the American revolution.
- NBC’s Kerry Saunders suggesting the Christmas party that was attacked could have served as a “trigger” for the gunmen.
- Senator Tim Kaine arguing that, much like terrorists themselves, critics of increased gun control are the “voice of evil.”
And it hasn’t even been a full day.