Op-Ed: Misrepresenting Idaho in the Media
By Dorothy Moon • December 16, 2024The following Op-Ed was submitted by GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon. Op-Eds do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.
Idaho stands as a proud bastion of conservatism, its politics reflecting the convictions of a state deeply rooted in Republican values. Yet, recent mischaracterizations of the Idaho Republican Party as extremists by prominent media outlets and opinion writers aim to sow discord and attempt to alienate citizens at a time when unity and collective purpose are paramount. Such rhetoric undermines the foundational principles of respecting the voice of the overwhelming majority.
Opinion pieces like those published in The Idaho Statesman and other platforms have painted a distorted image of the Idaho Republican Party, framing it as being led by extremist factions. Headlines speak loudly—terms like “far-right” and “extremists” dominate editorial rhetoric. For instance, the editorial board of The Idaho Statesman recently asserted that “a few more extremist Republicans won seats in Tuesday’s elections…”. These articles fail to acknowledge that Idaho is not a “purple battleground” or a blue state leaning conservative; it is a deeply Republican state where voters continue to overwhelmingly back candidates who reflect their values.
To dismiss the majority of state voters is disingenuous. The media’s constant declaration of “extremist”, “far-right” or “radical” labels are proof positive of the lazy, led by the nose journalists of today. Their drumbeat falls short of the truth and has left them isolated within a manufactured bubble of babble inspired “rational politics.” Such narratives, which might align with the dynamics of liberal metro areas in other parts of the country, have no place in accurately representing Idaho’s political reality.
The people of Idaho have consistently spoken through their votes, reaffirming their commitment to conservative values and principles. Attempts to distort the election mandate by mischaracterizing the electorate as extreme not only insult Idahoans but also erode the trust and mutual respect necessary for healthy political discourse. This state thrives on conservative bedrock values that are deeply woven into the fabric of Idaho’s identity.
Contrary to media-driven alarmism, the Idaho Republican Party remains steadfast in the principles that have shaped its values for generations. Dedicated to upholding the core ideals of faith, family, and freedom, the Idaho GOP strives to ensure that governance reflects and honors these foundational beliefs. To that end, its leadership, policies, and representatives reflect the voices and values of Idahoans—not the caricatures painted by out-of-touch commentators.
Tags: Conservative, Idaho GOP, Idaho Statesman, Media, Republican
Dorothy is spot on! The mass media is off in “Left field”. The headline in the Coeur d’Alene paper the day after the republican convention was pure fiction! Most of the “Statesman ” staff is out to lunch about idaho conservatives. Some talking heads at KTVB get very upset when you point out their bias! Now it’s well known that some of the “conservatives ” in the state house aren’t conservatives. All you have to do is look at the record of how our Governor handled the COVID “problem” and you can tell. Look at how the legislature voted and you can easily find the impostors! Two years until we can weed out some more!
bcplag