MSNBC host Joe Scarborough’s fervent defense of President Joe Biden’s mental fitness has drawn criticism from media ethics experts. Dr. Dan Axelrod from St. Thomas University remarked that Scarborough sounded more like a publicist than a journalist during his impassioned defense of Biden in March. Scarborough’s statement, “This version of Biden, intellectually, analytically, is the best Biden ever,” blurred the lines between journalism and public relations, Axelrod said.
Following Biden’s debate performance, which raised concerns about his mental fitness, Scarborough initially suggested Biden should consider stepping down. However, after a subsequent friendly interview with Biden on “Morning Joe,” Scarborough began urging Democrats to unite against former President Donald Trump.
Axelrod emphasized that even as an opinion journalist, Scarborough should adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, which includes seeking truth, reporting it, and avoiding favoritism. Scarborough and his co-host Mika Brzezinski have direct family ties to the Biden administration, with Brzezinski’s brother serving as Biden’s ambassador to Poland. This connection raises potential conflicts of interest, which journalistic ethical codes require to be disclosed.
The controversy highlights the challenges in maintaining journalistic integrity, especially when personal and professional relationships intersect. As Biden’s mental fitness continues to be scrutinized, “Morning Joe” and its hosts are likely to face increased scrutiny over their coverage and potential biases.
