More 'Whole Hog Politics' or Just More of the Same?
Behind the sanitized language: Chris Stirewalt and Bill Sammon are back, bringing their particular brand of 'Whole Hog Politics' to NewsNation and The Hill. It is an ensemble, of course, that promises to unpack the latest political hot topics and national news. One might be forgiven for thinking this is fresh insight, but the cast members suggest a rather predictable script. Bill Sammon, now The
Hill's senior vice president of editorial content, previously served as Fox News’ Washington managing editor. He was a central figure during the lead-up to the Iraq War, where his network played a significant role in transmitting official narratives that proved catastrophically wrong. Recall the now-infamous 2003 poll, conducted by Fox News, claiming 70% of Americans believed Saddam Hussein was
directly involved in 9/11, a blatant falsehood used to justify military action. Such affiliations reveal how seamlessly individuals transition between amplifying establishment voices and then curating what constitutes 'news.' This isn't about objective analysis; it's about network reinforcement. The proliferation of these analyst-driven shows serves a crucial purpose: to channel and manage public
discourse, ensuring that certain narratives retain primacy while challenging perspectives are sidelined. It is a carefully curated media ecosystem where the loudest voices often belong to those with the deepest ties to the corridors of power and the financial interests that benefit from the status quo. The business model of 'analysis' thrives on maintaining a comfortable consensus, not on