While covering President Trump making a “final pitch” for the Republican tax bill, on Monday’s NBC Today, correspondent Peter Alexander declared that the legislative push came “despite criticism it benefits the wealthy more than the middle class.” He even promoted a social media video of a Democratic Party activist calling on Republicans to reject the plan.
“Still, as Republicans try to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions, they’re getting an earful from opponents,” Alexander announced. He highlighted one left-wing opponent ambushing a GOP lawmaker on the issue: “Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, flying home last week, confronted by an activist who suffers from Lou Gehrig’s disease, concerned the GOP plan could lead to cuts in his disability benefits – pressing Flake to reconsider his support of the bill.”
A soundbite ran of Ady Barkan lecturing Flake: “I need you to make your vote match your principles, Senator. And for the rest of your life you will be proud if you vote this bill down.” Barkan’s Twitter bio reads: “Fighting to save your health care + mine. Disaster can strike anybody any time. Senators, please embrace your decency & patriotism and #BeAHero #VoteYourValues.” His feed was filled with tweets advancing a myriad of liberal causes.
The video of Barken and Flake featured in the report was tweeted out by Barkan’s fellow left-wing activist Liz Jaff, who also happens to be a candidate for Democratic National Committee vice chair. In her online posting, she ranted: “Grand finale @AdyBarkan tells @JeffFlake this is his chance to be the American hero and #killthebill the #GOPTaxScam and help him live and save millions of Americans. #flakesonaplane.”
While Alexander mentioned that Barkan was an “activist,” he didn’t go into detail explaining the Democratic Party connections.
On Sunday’s Meet the Press, host Chuck Todd openly encouraged the left to do more to “stop this bill.”
Later in the same report on Monday, Alexander brushed aside major media mistakes in favor of trashing Trump.
The biased segment was brought to viewers by Citi, Quaker Oats, and Panera Bread.
Here is a partial transcript of the December 11 story:
7:07 AM ET
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: Well, along with throwing his weight behind Roy Moore, the President is also busy this morning trying to shore up support for the Republican tax bill. NBC National Correspondent Peter Alexander at the White House for us. Hi, Peter, good morning.
PETER ALEXANDER: Hey, Savannah, good morning to you. This morning, President Trump’s team tells me they’re confident they’re nearing a victory on their push for a tax cuts bill. The President this week is expected to deliver what one aide described to me as his closing argument, a final pitch as Congress closes in on a vote.
[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Key Push for Trump Tax Plan; President to Make Final Pitch as Congress Nears Vote]
President Trump back at the White House, gearing up for a crucial week on taxes, selling the plan on Twitter despite criticism it benefits the wealthy more than the middle class. Arguing the bill’s shaping up even better than projected. Still, as Republicans try to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions, they’re getting an earful from opponents. Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, flying home last week, confronted by an activist who suffers from Lou Gehrig’s disease, concerned the GOP plan could lead to cuts in his disability benefits – pressing Flake to reconsider his support of the bill.
ADY BARKEN: I need you to make your vote match your principles, Senator. And for the rest of your life you will be proud if you vote this bill down.
(...)
