In an amusing and seemingly bizarre spectacle, MSNBC outdid itself by bringing quite an obscure personality to the table to discuss Trump’s alleged affair. Their choice may have viewers laughing, not because it was a witty move, but rather due to the sheer absurdity entangled within it. So, who was this perplexing guest?
Dusting off old scandals and navigating through controversial political terrain is never unusual for outlets like MSNBC. However, this time around, it’s the choice of the pundit that left viewers scratching their heads, wondering about the rationale behind this decision. Meet Larry Flynt, the founder of Hustler Magazine and the guest brought by MSNBC to criticise President Trump about his alleged liaison.
Yes, Larry Flynt, a notorious figure in the world of adult entertainment. Flynt’s presence in this conversation seems a bit out of place, if not laughable, as one would scarcely associate him with the moral high ground. Friends and foes alike would concede that Flynt is rather an unlikely candidate to sermonize about the supposed improprieties of the president’s personal life.
Some might argue that Flynt’s presence on the show was aimed at creating a sensational spectacle, perhaps a strategic move by MSNBC to grasp more eyeballs. While it may be true to an extent, and Flynt’s views could stir things up, it also gives rise to an ironic situation. It seems paradoxical that a person who made a fortune out of adult entertainment is passing judgment on someone else’s alleged extra-marital affair.
It may well be part of what MSNBC felt would make riveting television; after all, Larry Flynt is not just any guest. He’s a man who fought the American legal system on First Amendment laws and won, albeit while continuing to profit off salacious content. His perspective may indeed provide an unusual lens through which to view the situation; yet, the choice remains somewhat incongruous, and undeniably ironic.
The network’s critics found the whole incident mock-worthy. For them, it was another case of resorting to circumstances that are zany at best, desperate at worst. Some argued that the intention may not even have been to spark serious discussion about the alleged affair, but to trigger a wave of mockery and disbelief, thus garnering more viewers.
In this amusing episode, one cannot ignore the irony around Flynt’s moral policing. As an adult industry magnate, Flynt’s business profited from exhibiting explicit content featuring people often involved in their own personal scandals. The irony of him criticizing someone else’s alleged affair, while living his life amidst scandal, is multi-layered and truly gust-busting.
Even as MSNBC sought to bring critical conversation to its audience, it may have underestimated the reaction ignited by its choice of guest. The irony of it might seem more suited to a comedic skit. The viewers found it almost impossible to digest the discussant’s background and the nature of the discussion at hand, creating an uproar of humor in a topic that was otherwise a severe one.
In a nutshell, MSNBC’s choice to invite Flynt, a man synonymous with the adult entertainment industry, to chastise President Trump over his alleged affair was met with laughter. With Flynt playing the role of the moral high-ground taker, it’s no wonder why the spectacle became the butt of jokes. The entire episode appeared to blur the lines between a political news segment and an Orwellian satire. While serious discussions are of utmost importance, the blend of entertainment could not be ignored. Despite the humorous dimensions, it’s a clear reminder about the changing facade of news and media in contemporary society.
