A recent Politico article has revealed that a group of prominent legal commentators, most of whom are known for their strong dislike of former President Donald Trump, have been regularly participating in secret, off-the-record Zoom calls to discuss his legal situation.
The group, founded by CNN legal analyst Norman Eisen, includes William Kristol, a leader of the anti-Trump conservatives; longtime Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe; Watergate figure John Dean; and George Conway, ex-husband of Kellyanne, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, and a fixture on MSNBC.
Other participants include MSNBC analyst Andrew Weissman, who investigated the fruitless Russian collusion accusations against Trump as a prosecutor for Bob Mueller; and CNN legal analysts Jeffrey Toobin, Elliott Williams, and Karen Agnifilo.
According to Politico, the calls began during the January 6 hearings, when committee staffers began briefing legal commentators on their work. However, Politico also notes that the participants are generally united by their dislike of Trump, raising concerns about potential media bias and groupthink.
Some observers have expressed dismay at the revelation of these secret Zoom calls, arguing that they undermine the public’s trust in the media. Others have defended the calls, arguing that they are simply a way for legal experts to share their insights and coordinate their strategies.
Nevertheless, the secrecy and exclusive nature of these calls have raised legitimate questions about the potential for groupthink and media bias. It is important for media outlets to be transparent about their practices and to avoid any appearance of bias or collusion, especially when it comes to covering high-profile political figures like former President Trump.
While legal commentators are entitled to their opinions, the public has a right to know whether these opinions are being shaped by private, off-the-record discussions with like-minded individuals. Transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining trust in the media and ensuring that the public has access to informed and unbiased information.
