After Thursday’s Debate, Conservative Media Finds It Hard Not To Gloat

Last night’s presidential debate between Democratic candidate Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump marked a significant shift in the tone of the media landscape. As the dust settles, conservative media outlets are struggling to contain their enthusiasm and glee at the outcome.

The debate, which many experts identified as a turning point in the election, saw Trump come out swinging and Biden fumbling for words. The President’s quick wit and sharp tongue left the Democratic candidate stumbling, and his aggressive attacks on Biden’s past ignited a firestorm of response from the Trump base.

The conservative media spin machine quickly went into overdrive, touting Trump’s victory as a resounding triumph. Fox News, in particular, was euphoric, with talking heads and pundits alike declaring that Trump had “won” the debate in a “tremendous” performance.

The Wall Street Journal, typically a more staid and conservative publication, took a decidedly more triumphant tone in its coverage of the debate. Headlines like “Trump’s Confident Performance” and “Biden’s Struggle” dominated the headline space, with the editorial board declaring that the President’s “sharp attacks left his opponent reeling.”

Even the usually more measured tone of the National Review’s editorial board was replaced with a more triumphant narrative, declaring that Trump’s debate performance was a “strong rebuttal” to the “weak” Democratic platform.

Of course, this is not the first time that conservative media outlets have gotten carried away with the President’s rhetoric. The Trump Administration has been known for its aggressive tactics and hyperbole, and it’s not surprising to see the media outlets that support him follow suit.

But what’s striking about the current media landscape is the way in which these outlets have been able to shape the narrative and drive the agenda. The 24-hour news cycle, combined with social media, has given them the tools to amplify their message and shape the public discourse.

As the 2020 election continues to unfold, it’s clear that the role of conservative media outlets will be crucial in shaping the narrative and driving public opinion. And with their coverage of the debate, it’s clear that they’re already off to a strong start.

For now, it’s impossible to imagine anything but gloating from the conservative media camp. But as the election season wears on, it will be interesting to see how these outlets adapt to changing circumstances and the shifting public mood.