SECONDNEXUS
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Conservative television network Fox News has long been the go-to for Republican representation in the news media—representation that often relies on misleading or even outrightly false coverage.
Though President Donald Trump has objected to Fox News' coverage of him in the past, the network has largely been consistent in the rosy portrait it paints of the President, particularly during its opinion-based shows like The Ingraham Angle and Tucker Carlson Tonight.
But according to a new report from The Daily Beast, Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch is privately predicting that Trump will lose to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden by a landslide in November.
The report states:
"The Australian-born billionaire is disgusted by Trump's handling of [the virus], remarking that the president is his own worst enemy, that he is not listening to advice about how best to handle the pandemic, and that he's creating a never-ending crisis for his administration, according to three people who have spoken with Murdoch."
Murdoch has enjoyed access to Republican-led administrations for decades, but according to the report, Murdoch and Trump haven't spoken in weeks due to Trump's multiple Twitter screeds against the network, particularly regarding its poll findings.
Trump has encouraged his followers to switch to One America News Network, an even further-right outlet, and waxed nostalgic about the days when the late Roger Ailes—a known sexual abuser—was CEO of Fox News.
.@FoxNews allows more negative ads on me than practically all of the other networks combined. Not like the old days, but we will win even bigger than 2016. Roger Ailes was the GREATEST!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2020
.@FoxNews weekend afternoons is the worst! Getting into @CNN and MSDNC territory. Watch @OANN & @newsmax instead. Much better!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2020
.@FoxNews is not watchable during weekend afternoons. It is worse than Fake News @CNN. I strongly suggest turning your dial to @OANN. They do a really “Fair & Balanced" job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2020
People couldn't wait to let Trump know that even Fox News' owner has lost faith in the President's reelection chances.
Looks like Rupert is jumping ship, Donald.https://t.co/eIUqcjifnF
— Art Vandelay (@arthuravandalay) October 15, 2020
Whoa, @realDonaldTrump! https://t.co/eCOkRbWFre
— Anton Khalski (@AntonKhalski) October 15, 2020
@realDonaldTrump You lost Rupert Murdoch, and yes Roger Alies is still dead.
Rupert Murdoch Predicts a Landslide Win for Bidenhttps://t.co/1tCDo64Z8g
— Tina (@lostdogs20) October 15, 2020
@realDonaldTrump He's not the only one who's disgusted Spanky. https://t.co/ltZEXZhbbZ
— Tracy Fitzpatrick (@TracyFi52245153) October 15, 2020
What's this? Rupert Murdoch predicts a landslide win for Biden? Don't mind if we do!https://t.co/CjqueSlWfn
— Tom Shafer (@TomShafShafer) October 15, 2020
Sucks to be you@realDonaldTrump https://t.co/USX0rSVNnh
— Connie Brickner (@ConnieBrickner) October 15, 2020
Others noted the part that both Murdoch and his network played in Trump's ascent to the White House and the aftermath of it.
Pretty rich for Rupert Murdoch to say he is disgusted with how Trump has handled the pandemic, when studies show his network is responsible for disinformation that causes sickness and death.https://t.co/PslWAaxFwe
— Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) October 15, 2020
This is the iconic billionaire move: sow a problem and then feign shock when it sprouts.
Next step: Starting a foundation to solve the problem you're still working to cause.https://t.co/6CXyNkl8Rt pic.twitter.com/OueJJdeglD
— Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) October 15, 2020
This article is surprising and infuriating. Rupert Murdoch says he's disgusted by Trump's handling of COVID-19 - which nobody helped amplify more than him. He says “people are ready for Sleepy Joe." F*ck you, Murdoch. He's Vice President Biden to you. https://t.co/XReFbFva64
— Duty To Warn 🔉 (@duty2warn) October 15, 2020
Murdoch told the Daily Beast, "No comment except I've never called Trump an idiot."