Networks Get Weak in the Knees Over ‘Genuine,’ ‘Remarkable’ KBJ’s ‘Beaming Smile’

The “big three” networks of ABC, CBS, and NBC decided Friday afternoon that they had to up their game for the White House’s celebration of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court following their syrupy coverage of her Senate confirmation hearings and Thursday’s Senate vote. 

The whole thing was a poetic recitation of the words. “extraordinary” “party” for Jackson, who exudes “excellence” in the face of “persistent sexism,” “racism,” and “attacks” from Republicans and those who haven’t joined in “this moment of unity for our country…and history.” And, according to one network, Jackson’s nomination wasn’t actually about race.

ABC was bursting at the seams with so-called journalists building resumes to take Jen Psaki’s job. 

World News Tonight anchor David Muir and longtime correspondent Deborah Roberts said before Jackson emerged with President Biden and Vice President Harris that he thought of how young girls and boys can be inspired by Jackson since they can now see that, after “some 200 years,” the Court looks more like America and “their classroom.”

Muir called the event “The Event” after it had concluded. “[a]n extraordinary moment” Jackson was “extraordinarily humble” while Roberts added it’s an imperative that people realize how “breathtaking” and “remarkable” of a “speech” the judge gave.

Roberts? Amazing! insisted this process wasn’t about race and not what “a lot of people” thought of because, instead, it was recognizing someone who radiates “excellence and perseverance” to achieve “the American dream.”

Worst of all was senior White House correspondent Mary Bruce, who made the best case to take Psaki’s post inside Team Biden. Bruce described it as “beforehand”. “a party” filled with “several hundred” people who are “excited” and “very happy” to the point of “dancing” prior to Bide’s “victory lap.”

Bruce didn’t even try to hide her virulently liberal politics in sharing what she made of the ceremony. Muir’s gushing about April 8 was enough to get Bruce giddy. “remember[ed] with joy and…enormous fondness,” Bruce stated that the day would be forever engraved in our memories with Biden joining us “two remarkable black women” Jackson having triumphed “attacks” from Republicans and far worse (click “expand”):

BRUCE Although it is hard to remember, many will still be able to recall the words of President Obama. He said that this was his promise, and that he has kept that promise. This was what he wanted to accomplish if he were to run for President. However, he stated that while this moment is certainly one to celebrate with the country, it is only a small part of the long journey ahead. Although he noted the harsh criticisms Judge Jackson faced throughout her confirmation hearings, he also said that they were just examples of how far this country is still able to go, and how difficult it is to make progress. David, however, told David that Judge Jackson’s look when she spoke of her personal story about her journey. It was a beaming smile. David, even though she was still wiping away tears, that beaming smile was evident on many faces.

Mary and I are amazed at what you did. Mary, just a brief follow-up, as I was struck by something, was able to wipe her right eye and shed a tear while the President spoke. Naturally, she was expected to express gratitude for her parents, husband, and her children. But the level of detail with her — with her thank you’s, the names that we’ve never heard, quite frankly before, the legislative liaisons with the — with the Senate, members of the White House staff who helped her along the way. She did not forget any of the people who supported her in this extremely difficult process. They almost looked surprised that their names were included in her historic moment of gratitude today.

NBC tried its hardest to be a good sport. Before the event, race-baiter Yamiche Alcindor gushed over the day as “a profound moment for” both Biden and “this nation” with someone joining the Supreme Court who’s hailed by “friends” as a “brilliant” “star” that America will be “celebrat[ing].”

Senior Washington correspondent Hallie Jackson called Judge Jackson’s speech “emotional” and “powerful” that “embrac[ed] this moment” It was felt by Welker before Welker. “historic” and relayed to viewers that American University students she’s spoken to now believe “they can do anything.”

Alcindor came back and touted Jackson as having “lean[ed] into the history” but got “personal and really making sure that she was talking to so many women who see her as an inspiration.”

Major Garrett, Washington chief correspondent for CBS Television said Jackson displayed “genuine emotion” and “profound history,” Jan Crawford is a long-time legal correspondent Jackson “really put into context the magnitude of this moment” with “power in” her “words.”

Garrett and senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang gently addressed the rash of COVID-19 cases in the administration and other elites with a sort of shrug that wouldn’t have passed if Donald Trump was still in office (click “expand”):

GARRETT 

JIANG : We are out, which is very notable. But you’re correct. Because this celebration isn’t just about one woman, you can sense the emotions in the air. The President called it a celebration about everything. It’s not about her, this is about everyone. Judge Jackson also spoke about the many young girls and women she hopes to inspire. It has been a very rainy week in Washington. But the President took note of the sunlight that was pouring on the white House, saying that it is shining for women of color and black women. This is probably the largest crowd I have seen at the White House since the time President Biden was elected. But, Major. It is, however, mainly partisan as I have already said. Three Republican senators voted against confirming Judge Jackson. We know that one of them is Maine’s Susan Collins because she tested positive for COVID-19, one of many high-ranking officials here in D.C., including some cabinet members, who have tested positive, but the White House said that today was outside. The President is allowed to use these protocols because everyone who will be around him has been tested. It’s all about Judge Jackson, even though COVID is definitely in the background. Major. 

Before CBS signed off, congressional correspondent Nikole Killion lamented Republican opposition to Biden’s judicial nominees writ-large and that it would continue despite Jackson having served as a “moment of unity for our country and…history.”

Earth to CBS: Ask Democrats how falsely accusing someone of rape (Brett Kavanaugh) and haranguing another (the late Robert Bork) didn’t poison the well.

Click here for ABC or CBS, and here to see transcripts starting April 8.