Reliable Sources Debates Whether CNN Should Have Aired Bachmann’s Response

On CNN‘s Reliable Sources, Howard Kurtz hosted a discussion regarding whether CNN unfairly elevated Congresswoman Michele Bachmann‘s Tea Party response to the State of the Union by being the only news network to air it live. The consensus amongst all the guests seemed to be that since Bachmann always creates news, why not cover it?

Guest Margaret Carlson suggested about Bachmann, “she’s always colorful, she’s always incendiary and we cover news and she’s always willing to make it.” Michael Shear suggested the dueling Republican responses to the State of the Union is evidence of serious divisions in the Republican party, which is itself a story worth covering. And Jim Geraghty agreed, but was just worried that next year every wing of both political parties might start asking for time to respond to the President’s speech.

Kurtz however summed it up best, if journalists are going to talk about Bachmann all the time, which they seem eager to do, then what’s the big deal if CNN airs the five minute speech in the first place to give viewers background on what everyone will be debating?

Watch the clip from CNN below:

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