"60 Minutes" Has Become the Problem It Seeks to Solve: Amplifying Marjorie Taylor Greene's Radical Views
Last week, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was temporarily suspended by Twitter over a tweet with a graphic referring to a "Trans Day of Vengeance," as she denounced a planned transgender rights rally. And come Tuesday, Greene has announced plans to protest in New York City when former President Donald Trump is expected to be arraigned on an indictment of more than 30 counts.
But it was the airing of Greene's interview with CBS' Lesley Stahl on Sunday night that sparked swift and well-deserved criticism. Critics argue that "60 Minutes" has crossed a line by amplifying the views of a congresswoman who has consistently promoted conspiracy theories, hate speech, and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
Greene, known for her sharp tongue and radical views, was featured on the long-running show in an interview that failed to mention some of the most egregious aspects of her record. Her comments on social media, such as calling Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg "littleHitler," were also omitted from the segment.
Critics point out that this is not the first time CBS has featured a guest with extremist views. In 2000, the show interviewed Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, and in 1979, it spoke with Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
But what sets Greene apart is her recent rise to prominence within the GOP, from fringe member to front-row seat. Her appearance on "60 Minutes" was seen as a tacit endorsement by CBS of her extreme views, which are deeply at odds with American values of inclusivity and respect for human rights.
The decision to feature Greene on the show has been widely criticized, including from former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, who tweeted that it was "insane" that 60 Minutes would do this. Journalist Molly Jong-Fast also slammed the show, saying that it was spending its "currency" on Greene's anti-Semitic rhetoric.
David Hogg, who survived the Parkland school shooting and has become an activist against gun violence, responded to the segment by urging CNN to ask Greene about her views on school shootings and QAnon.
CBS had not responded to a request from CNN for comment at time of publishing. However, it's clear that the show's decision to feature Greene was a mistake, one that fails to uphold its reputation as a bastion of journalism and respect for all Americans.
The real question is what CBS will do next. Will they continue to amplify the views of those who seek to divide us, or will they use their platform to promote unity and understanding? The answer to this question will say more about the show's values than any interview with a controversial guest like Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Last week, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was temporarily suspended by Twitter over a tweet with a graphic referring to a "Trans Day of Vengeance," as she denounced a planned transgender rights rally. And come Tuesday, Greene has announced plans to protest in New York City when former President Donald Trump is expected to be arraigned on an indictment of more than 30 counts.
But it was the airing of Greene's interview with CBS' Lesley Stahl on Sunday night that sparked swift and well-deserved criticism. Critics argue that "60 Minutes" has crossed a line by amplifying the views of a congresswoman who has consistently promoted conspiracy theories, hate speech, and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
Greene, known for her sharp tongue and radical views, was featured on the long-running show in an interview that failed to mention some of the most egregious aspects of her record. Her comments on social media, such as calling Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg "littleHitler," were also omitted from the segment.
Critics point out that this is not the first time CBS has featured a guest with extremist views. In 2000, the show interviewed Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, and in 1979, it spoke with Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
But what sets Greene apart is her recent rise to prominence within the GOP, from fringe member to front-row seat. Her appearance on "60 Minutes" was seen as a tacit endorsement by CBS of her extreme views, which are deeply at odds with American values of inclusivity and respect for human rights.
The decision to feature Greene on the show has been widely criticized, including from former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, who tweeted that it was "insane" that 60 Minutes would do this. Journalist Molly Jong-Fast also slammed the show, saying that it was spending its "currency" on Greene's anti-Semitic rhetoric.
David Hogg, who survived the Parkland school shooting and has become an activist against gun violence, responded to the segment by urging CNN to ask Greene about her views on school shootings and QAnon.
CBS had not responded to a request from CNN for comment at time of publishing. However, it's clear that the show's decision to feature Greene was a mistake, one that fails to uphold its reputation as a bastion of journalism and respect for all Americans.
The real question is what CBS will do next. Will they continue to amplify the views of those who seek to divide us, or will they use their platform to promote unity and understanding? The answer to this question will say more about the show's values than any interview with a controversial guest like Marjorie Taylor Greene.
. 60 Minutes thinks it can just give a free pass to someone who spews hate and conspiracy theories all over social media? I mean, come on, they barely even scratched the surface of her extremist views, which was super convenient for them. And don't even get me started on how much damage this is gonna do to their reputation 
. What's next, interviewing Alex Jones or some other radical figurehead? They need to really think about what kind of message they're sending to the public. Are they just going to start promoting whatever agenda they want? It's all a bit too suspicious for me 
CBS needs to take a hard look at itself, the way it's choosing its guests is straight out of a bad script. Featuring Greene was a huge mistake, plain and simple. 
If they really want to be taken seriously as a news show, they need to think twice before giving airtime to people who are spreading hate and conspiracy theories. 
And what's with the lack of fact-checking? That interview should've been done weeks ago to see if Greene would still spew the same toxic rhetoric. 
... on one hand, I get why CBS didn't want to ignore Marjorie Taylor Greene's rise in prominence - it's like they're saying "we can't just brush her off" 
. On the other hand, I think 60 Minutes should've been more careful about how they portrayed her views... I mean, who wants to give a platform to someone spewing hate speech and conspiracy theories? 
. What do you think - should they've just scratched their heads and said "no thanks"? 
I'm so done with 60 Minutes right now! They literally give oxygen to people who are spreading hate and conspiracy theories 
. I'm not surprised by this decision at all, it just goes to show that some people will say anything to get attention and push their agenda 
Greene is like a toxic waste dump for people's emotions, and now she's got a platform to spread her hate 
. CBS needs to take responsibility for what happened. They should've done some serious fact-checking before inviting her on the show 
. Now they're just gonna be seen as enabling her extreme views 
. And then they don't even mention all the other messed up stuff she's said? It's like they're trying to make a mockery of themselves 
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. cbs needs to get its act together and stop being so extra 
. amplifying her hate speech and anti-semitic rhetoric is not journalism, it's just giving her a soapbox 
. they're basically saying that as long as she's got a strong opinion, it's good enough for their show 
. newsflash: that's not what 60 minutes stands for 
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. we need to hold ourselves and others accountable for our words and actions 
. They should've done a deeper dive into her record and mentioned some of that crazy stuff she's said in the past 
... like that Parkland school shooting comment? 
And what's up with CBS not addressing the fact that they were essentially giving a platform to someone who's been spreading hate speech? 
. Can't wait for them to explain themselves on this one 
. It's time for 60 Minutes to get its act together and use their platform for good, not just for clickbait 
It feels like they're just giving her a platform to spread hate and conspiracy theories. And let's be real, no one wants that kind of negativity in their lives.
. It's just so... convenient for them to gloss over that part. I'm not buying it when they say it's all about "promoting discussion" or whatever. We need more nuance and fact-checking, less sensationalism and clickbait 
. And let's not forget about the littleHitler comment 
#60MinutesFails #MarjorieTaylorGreene #HateSpeechIsNotNews
. And to not even mention some of the more egregious stuff she's said in the past? That's just irresponsible journalism if you ask me. They should be using their platform to have real conversations about important issues, not just amplifying extremist views. It's like they're saying it's okay to be hate speech and conspiracy theory-spewing as long as you've got a fancy TV show behind you 
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