General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Great progressive Ruth Marcus of the Washington Post has concerns about Obama's speaking fee-- [View all]lapucelle
(18,268 posts)Pearl clutching by the press over manufactured controversies helped to put Trump in the White House.
If Marcus is interested in championing a cause, I suggest she start with her colleagues who distort news stories and gin up false controversies all in the service of increased revenue and ratings. Some people never read beyond the clickbait headline or understand that "breaking news" is now code for "irresponsible hyperbole to keep viewers tuned in".
And if Marcus is upset about any influence that that speakers' fees might have on objectivity, she should start her crusade with a call to put an end to money in journalism. Many of her colleagues are offered and accept high speaking fees from a variety of corporate entities and special interest groups. Influence peddling to those who have a first amendment duty to uphold is much more troubling than paying private citizens to keynote.
https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/category/Political-Speakers/Pol-Columnists-and-Journalists
http://www.apbspeakers.com/