Terry Moran has openly defended his controversial statement labeling Stephen Miller, former Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump, as a “world-class hater.” This defense comes after ABC News ended its association with the veteran journalist following the tweet that criticized Miller. In an interview with Tim Miller from The Bulwark, Moran insisted that his remarks were genuine and not impulsive.
Moran articulated that there is no standard of objectivity that precludes journalists from expressing their feelings about society, emphasizing the importance of being “fair and accurate” in reporting. He described himself as a “Hubert Humphrey Democrat,” focusing on practical solutions and principled stands. Moran asserted that he believes figures like Miller pose a danger to societal decency.
In his original tweet, Moran proclaimed Miller was “richly endowed with the capacity for hatred,” further characterizing President Trump as another “world-class hater,” though he suggested Trump’s motivations differ. Despite deleting the tweet, Moran was suspended shortly thereafter, leading to ABC’s announcement that they would not renew his contract due to what they deemed a breach of journalistic standards.
Moran interpreted the network’s decision as a business choice, asserting that he had a legitimate agreement in place that was being disregarded. He expressed no significant concern about the outgoing settlement between ABC and Trump, while acknowledging the precarious position of critics within the current administration.
After his departure, Moran intends to continue his journalistic pursuits through a Substack platform, where he plans to engage with readers and share insights during these tumultuous times for the country.
This situation underscores the challenges faced by journalists when balancing personal beliefs with professional responsibilities, highlighting an ongoing discussion in media regarding objectivity and accountability. Moran’s commitment to continue reporting reflects a hopeful dedication to advancing meaningful dialogue in challenging political landscapes.