How clueless is John Berman? On the one hand, the CNN anchor trumpets the fact that Melania Trump is the first First Lady to leave the White House with a net-negative approval rating. On the other hand, his own sneering remarks are a perfect illustration of the kind of negative coverage that Melania has received during her years as First Lady that have contributed to her negative ratings.
During this morning's 6 am hour of New Day, Berman teased the upcoming report on Melania's ratings, saying: "Here's a pop quiz for you. Who's the only First Lady to leave the White House with a net-negative approval rating? We're going to give you the answer shortly." Of course, he eagerly answered that question: "Melania Trump is the only First Lady to leave the White House with a net-negative approval rating.
Of course, the poll Berman is citing is from CNN. So, CNN says that Melania Trump is unpopular and CNN gloats over it.
Who but a malicious Melania antagonist would offer a "pop quiz" on her negative ratings? Berman's maligning of Melania is in line with the kind of coverage the liberal media has given her for years. Just this morning, our Tim Graham retweeted side-by-side articles from the Washington Post, one fawning over Dr. Jill Biden, the other criticizing Melania. NBC, after years of bashing Mrs. Trump with cheap shots, rushed to defend Jill Biden, labeling the attacks on her sexist.
And then there's the fact that the leading magazines snubbed former model Melania, denying her even one cover. Michelle Obama, in contrast, graced no fewer than 12 covers.
Berman prefaced his pop quiz with yet another example of the liberal media's negative coverage of Melania, sneering that she "could not be bothered" to extend courtesies to the Bidens. As if she had a choice?
In the second hour, co-host Alisyn Camerota and Berman waxed poetic over the courtesies the Obamas had extended to the Trumps on Inauguration Day 2017. Maggie Haberman, the New York Times White House correspondent who is also a CNN analyst, said that Melania has "gone along" with President Trump declining to offer the Bidens the traditional courtesies.
CNN's John Berman gloating over First Lady Melania Trump's negative approval ratings was sponsored in part by Liberty Mutual and NutriSystem.
Here's a partial transcript. Click "expand" to read more.
CNN
New Day
1/19/21
6:01 am ETJOHN BERMAN: After four years of smashing norms, he leaves office flouting all the traditions of grace and dignity of a departing president. We have new reporting on what Melania Trump could not be bothered to do this week.
. . .
And here's a pop quiz for you. Who's the only First Lady to leave the White House with a net-negative approval rating?
ALISYN CAMEROTA: How much time do I have?
BERMAN: We're going to give you the answer shortly.
. . .
Harry Enten, by the way: answered my trivia question. From Harry Enten: is that Melania Trump is the only First Lady to leave the White House with a net-negative approval rating.
. . .
CAMEROTA: [Footage of Obamas greeting Trumps at White House on Inauguration Day 2016] When you look at it, the body language and the graciousness is just so stunning! Now, to watch what the Obamas did for the Trumps.
BERMAN: They had birthers to the White House.
CAMEROTA: I know. Because it was for the country.
BERMAN: It was for the country.
MAGGIE HABERMAN: Because they had won, and there was a recognition that there was a new president. This is basically part of the Trumps' refusal--at least Donald Trump's refusal--and his wife is going along with it, to recognize that there is a change. That this is not their house. That there was an election. And that is not what they want to do.
