CBS Evening News ended Tuesday’s program with a report highlighting that night’s state dinner at the White House and the behind-the-scenes efforts of First Lady Melania Trump to pull it off. But in the middle of the segment, reporter Jan Crawford pointed out what many considered a blatant double standard from the media, in that Mrs. Trump has been on the cover far fewer American magazines when compared to Michelle Obama.
“She has been a woman of few words, considered so mysterious, even her clothing choices are scrutinized for clues,” Crawford noted at the start of her report (in fact, CNN once tried to claim Melania was protesting her husband by wearing a white dress). Mrs. Trump’s mysteriousness was a point Crawford would revisit, later on, saying: “But if she's seen mysterious, maybe one reason is the media hasn't exactly embraced her.”
Crawford highlighted the “apparent double standard” by noting a tweet from actor and Trump supporter James Woods. “If the Trumps were Democrats, Melania would be on every cover of every chic women’s magazine in the world every month,” he wrote.
“Michelle Obama graced more than 30 major U.S. magazine covers when her husband was president. So far, Mrs. Trump has been on exactly none, and only one foreign magazine,” Crawford recalled. The huge difference was a completely fair point to make, but it is unclear if Mrs. Trump, who was known for being a reserved first lady, had turned down offers to be featured on the covers of magazines.
The CBS reporter went on to glorify Mrs. Trump by comparing her grace to President John F. Kennedy’s wife, Jackie Onassis:
Nearly 20 years ago, when she was dating Mr. Trump, The New York Times said she might be “the perfect political spouse.” She said then if she ever became first lady she would be “traditional” like Jackie Onassis. And since the inauguration, when she first drew comparisons to Jackie O. She’s weathered her husband’s storms with dignity, much like her famous predecessor.
“Melania Trump is the first lady of the century, like Jackie O was the first lady of the last century,” Trump family friend Paolo Zampolli told Crawford. “We have seen clearly the way she is changing the White House, the way she is decorating the White House. She has her own taste-- very elegant, very classy.”
Crawford touted how Melania appeared to be getting used to the spotlight of being the first lady and her work in orchestrating the state dinner. “While her husband likes things big, bold, and name branded, their first state dinner will be smaller and with fewer celebrities than those in the past,” she reported. “It reflects a confident first lady who is increasingly more visible, attending the funeral of Barbara Bush, last week hosting the Japanese prime minister and his wife at Mar-a-Lago.”
“Earlier this month, she invited middle school students to the White House talk about issues facing children, something this mother of a middle school son would hold close to her heart,” Crawford added, effectively elevating the First Lady’s cause.
While many other liberal news networks try to pretend there isn’t a double standard applied to this White House, CBS News has stood out in this instance.
The transcript is below, click "expand" to read:
CBS Evening News
April 24, 2018
6:56:42 PM EasternJEFF GLOR: Melania Trump, who has kept a low profile as first lady, is stepping into the spotlight as planner and chief of this event. Here’s Jan Crawford.
[Cuts to video]
JAN CRAWFORD: She has been a woman of few words, considered so mysterious, even her clothing choices are scrutinized for clues.
Tonight's state dinner is a milestone moment, not only for international diplomacy but for the First Lady. The White House released this video of her overseeing every detail. While her husband likes things big, bold, and name branded, their first state dinner will be smaller and with fewer celebrities than those in the past.
It reflects a confident first lady who is increasingly more visible, attending the funeral of Barbara Bush, last week hosting the Japanese prime minister and his wife at Mar-a-Lago.
MELANIA TRUMP: I want to help children everywhere to be their best.
CRAWFORD: Earlier this month, she invited middle school students to the White House talk about issues facing children, something this mother of a middle school son would hold close to her heart.
But if she's seen mysterious, maybe one reason is the media hasn't exactly embraced her. Trump supporter James Woods pointed out an apparent double standard on Twitter. Michelle Obama graced more than 30 major U.S. magazine covers when her husband was president. So far, Mrs. Trump has been on exactly none, and only one foreign magazine.
Nearly 20 years ago, when she was dating Mr. Trump, The New York Times said she might be “the perfect political spouse.” She said then if she ever became first lady she would be “traditional” like Jackie Onassis. And since the inauguration, when she first drew comparisons to Jackie O. She’s weathered her husband’s storms with dignity, much like her famous predecessor.
PAOLO ZAMPOLLI: Melania Trump is the first lady of the century, like Jackie O was the first lady of the last century.
CRAWFORD: Paolo Zampolli is a long-time friend of both Trumps
ZAMPOLLI: We have seen clearly the way she is changing the White House, the way she is decorating the White House. She has her own taste-- very elegant, very classy.
CRAWFORD: And, he says, very ready for the growing spotlight on the world's greatest stage. Jan Crawford, CBS News, Washington.
