Vanity Fair released their annual list of folks that belong in their “Hall of Fame.” The list includes activists, newsmakers, and influentials within the political sphere. In addition to a glowing review by a famous person, it includes photos by the incredible Annie Leibovitz. I wouldn’t expect a publication like Vanity Fair to include conservatives or any kind of defense of President Trump (some conservatives aren’t even willing to offer that now). Still, the magazine claims “these unconventional heroes went high, taking risks — and taking a stand” and deserve our recognition.
While some of these folks are worthy of a magazine spread (like Stephen Hawking and Judge Rosemarie Aquilina), some of them seem like an exaggerated effort to malign conservativism and overlook real newsmakers.
For example, the spread opens with a downright virtuous portrayal of Stormy Daniels. Never mind that she’s made her living in the porn industry, allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with Trump, and proceeded to parade around her and Trump’s bizarre relationship (which included hush money). This is not a defense of Trump, nor does he take on the role of an innocent protagonist at all — far from it. His actions too, are indefensible. But I’m still struggling to understand how Daniels is a hero here?
Likewise, Vanity Fair also included a profile of investigative journalist Bob Woodward. While Woodward has been reporting about politics for decades, he’s become just as partisan as any other liberal commentator. His latest book, Fear: Trump in the White House, which is what actor Robert Redford praises in his anecdote, is hardly even newsworthy, let alone courageous.
If we’re heralding people who have broken the glass ceiling in politics, where is the great review for Nikki Haley? She will soon resign from her post as ambassador to the United Nations, a role she executed exquisitely, standing up to countries who would undermine ours. Instead of talking about how great Bob Woodward is for penning his 19th book, why not mention someone like Jordan Peterson? If we’re comparing notes, his book Twelve Rules for Life topped best-selling charts in the U.S. and Canada and sold millions of copies. The psychologist and author became a worldwide phenomenon garnering reviews from dozens of magazines and cable news shows.
The reason Haley, Peterson, or any other similar, popular, influential man or woman like them were not chosen is simply because they are conservative (or in Peterson’s case, not exactly a flaming liberal). While this is probably to be expected, why should it be? Why overshadow other incredible people who have accomplished good things for society in the name of partisan politics? This serves to undermine the influence and reputation of hard-working, intelligent power players which doesn’t do the rest of us any favors.
Nicole Russell (@russell_nm) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. She is a journalist who previously worked in Republican politics in Minnesota.
