Washington Post columnist criticizes paper's attempt to engage with 'MAGA readers': "Illogical argument"

Jennifer Rubin, a Washington Post columnist, criticized media outlets, including her own paper, for attempting to cater to "MAGA readers" following the election.

On Dec. 15, an opinion columnist and anti-Trump critic George Conway discussed the aftermath of the 2024 election at the 92NY Center for Culture & Arts. The event took place after President-elect Donald Trump won a second term.

Since multiple instances of the media surrendering to Trump have occurred, Rubin specifically accused her own publication of attempting to connect with Trump supporters.

"Why do people often ask me why the media is so mamsy-pamsey? There are two explanations, Rubin stated. Firstly, they believe that if they shift slightly to the right, MAGA readers would subscribe to The Washington Post, despite the contradiction in terms. However, nothing The Washington Post can do would convince those people to subscribe. Nonetheless, I am convinced they are somewhere within the media landscape."

Despite frequently criticizing the Washington Post, particularly its owner Jeff Bezos, for trying to become more politically neutral, Rubin has not resigned in protest and even joked about rebelling from within the paper.

Rubin joked that he can act rebellious in his own home because the mainstream media is now surrendering, allowing him to give the finger.

She denied accusations of political bias, asserting, "I am not biased; I am simply precise."

In November, when Bezos declared that the Washington Post would not be issuing a presidential endorsement, Rubin was among the columnists who criticized him for "kneeling to political pressure."

"Rubin stated on her podcast that she does not believe the reason given for the new policy of endorsing everyone except presidential candidates. She believes that the sudden decision to start with this new policy is not credible. Rubin pointed out that they endorsed a presidential candidate in 2020, and this new policy is perceived as bending the knee to Donald Trump at the worst possible moment when democracy is at stake."

Rubin criticized MSNBC, where she is a contributor, after it was reported that the "Morning Joe" co-hosts met with Trump after the election.

"What were they thinking? Who did they believe their audience was?" Rubin inquired. "Perhaps this wasn't about their audience. Perhaps it was them trying to defend themselves or avoid retribution they thought was imminent. But the truth is, these are wealthy and famous individuals. What do they have to fear?" Rubin added, "This was simply an appalling example of how many elites are eager to conform, curry favor, and divert attention from any incoming criticism from the White House."