FLASHBACK: Media Raged When This One GOP Senator Won; Can You Imagine 2022?

Twelve years ago this week, Massachusetts shocked the world as the liberal state elected a Republican Senator, ending then-President Barack Obama’s brief 60 vote majority. The media did not react well to the GOP win, railing about how it was “premeditated murder” and an affront to the cause of the sacred Ted Kennedy. This was one Senate win. What might the reaction of networks CNN, MSNBC and other media to a midterm red tide in 2022? 

Scott Brown was elected on January 19, 2010. That evening, Chris Matthews ranted at just how bad it would be for a Republican to prevail Speaking about the impact on ObamaCare, Matthews fretted, “It’s that rare election where voters know exactly what they’re voting on. If they are with Democrat Martha Coakley, they will get health insurance reform. If they go for Republican Scott Brown it’s deliberate, premeditated murder for health care!” 

Since upsetting the Democratic agenda isn’t allowed, NBC’s TodayA post-win interview made awkward by Meredith Vieira with Brown. On January 20, 2010, then-host Meredith Vieira brought up health care, scorning the Senator-elect: “You plan to do whatever you can to derail…the cause of his lifetime?” 

The viciousness of Vieira’s insult prompted Brown to retort: “Well first of all, you’re misrepresenting. It was not my intention to do all I could to end health care. I believe that everybody should have health care, it’s just a question on how we do it.” 

On January 19, 2010, CNN dismissed the rise of Brown as voters this way: “Bottom line is, like so many voters around the nation, folks here in Massachusetts are feeling angry and scared.” 

Anger and fear. If Republicans win big in November, routing Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, be prepared to hear more about just how “angry and scared” voters must be. 

You can find more FLASHBACK examples in our NewsBusters Time Machine. Go here.