November 1, 2024
A heated moment unfolded Friday morning on the Washington Post’s live show First Look when conservative columnist Hugh Hewitt took a stand against what he called misinformation from host Jonathan Capehart and fellow guest Ruth Marcus. The conversation, centered on the 2024 Presidential election, turned tense after Capehart discussed a recent lawsuit in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, filed by Trump’s team to extend early voting for Republican voters who’d reportedly been turned away by poll workers.
During the segment, Capehart alleged that Trump’s legal action in Pennsylvania was a way to “lay the groundwork for contesting the election,” even suggesting that Trump’s claims of election fraud were unfounded. This statement sparked a strong reaction from Hewitt, who countered that the lawsuit was indeed valid and had resulted in the court ordering extra voting days in Bucks County to accommodate voters affected by the initial issues.
“We’re news people, even though it’s the opinion section,” Hewitt replied, pushing back against what he saw as selective reporting. “It’s got to be reported. Bucks County was reversed by the court and instructed to open up extra days because they violated the law and told people to go home.”
Hewitt underscored that the Republican National Committee’s lawsuit had been successful and challenged Capehart and Marcus to tell the whole story, not just selective details. Frustrated by the accusation, Capehart hit back, accusing Hewitt of often bringing in non-factual statements to their discussions.
After defending his stance, Hewitt, visibly exasperated, announced he was leaving the segment, calling it “the most unfair election ad I have ever been a part of,” referring to what he saw as biased coverage favoring the Biden-Harris campaign. “I will not come back, Jonathan. How’s that? I’m done,” he said before walking off the set.
The segment took an unexpected twist when Capehart attempted to continue with Marcus, only for her video feed to freeze and cut out several times. Left without either guest, Capehart acknowledged the awkwardness of the moment, remarking, “Everybody, if you’ve been watching First Look, you know that these conversations can be interesting, contentious… It is what it is.”
Hewitt’s stand and the technical glitches drew widespread attention online, with many viewers applauding Hewitt’s decision to confront what he called a “slanted narrative.” His walkout sparked discussions about journalistic integrity and transparency, bringing to the forefront the heightened tensions surrounding election coverage.
Sources
EPIC: After the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart and Ruth Marcus spew lies about @realDonaldTrump, @hughhewitt brings the facts about the RNC's PA election lawsuit and then rips off his headset and leaves the #PostLive show.
Hugh: "I'm done!"
WATCH:pic.twitter.com/0iCKgtk3Pm
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 1, 2024
