Banned CNN reporter is back at the White House in a major victory for freedom of the press.
Jim Acosta isn’t the best or most important journalist in the world. But his personal feud with President Trump proved to be another vital stress test for democracy as this White House continues to stretch the historic norms that have guided America.
Instead of reporting the news, Acosta himself became an international story after President Trump ordered the White House to revoke Acosta’s press credentials after the CNN reporter got into a verbal confrontation with Trump during the president’s news conference after the 2018 midterm elections.
CNN was straightforward in its response, saying in a statement:
“Today the White House fully restored Jim Acosta’s press pass. As a result, our lawsuit is no longer necessary. We look forward to continuing to cover the White House.”
CNN filed a lawsuit against Trump and several members of his administration. Then a federal judge, nominated by Trump no less, ordered the White House to restore Acosta’s access saying that it was illegal to allow reporters into the White House press room but then selectively prohibit others from entry.
On Monday, the White House admitted total defeat, restoring Acosta’s press credentials but insisting it could still revoke them at a latter date if he fails to abide by new “rules” of conduct established by the White House.
Thanks to everybody for their support. As I said last Friday... let's get back to work.— Jim Acosta (@Jim Acosta) 1542661180.0
Those new rules include only asking one question at a time, a guideline seemingly created with no other purpose than to make it seem like Trump and the White House press team accomplished something in this dispute.
Statement from @PressSec on @Acosta & new rules for press conferences that they created "with a degree of regret." https://t.co/sgCyjrZuZn— Sean Doody (@Sean Doody) 1542661985.0
It was a fight that never should have happened. But let’s be clear: Donald Trump and the White House lost that fight spectacularly.
CNN was supported in its lawsuit by sources across the political spectrum, including Fox News, its chief rival and the biggest media supporter of President Trump and his agenda.
We’ve all heard enough about Trump’s threat to American institutions and democracy itself but this was a powerful reminder that when people stick together for a good cause it’s incredibly hard for anyone, even the president himself, to defy the Constitution and the freedoms so many hold dear.
Jim Acosta isn’t a hero, even if some people will no doubt portray him as one. The real journalistic heroes are the ones who risk their lives and integrity in the pursuit of truth. But he’s become yet another symbol of the real heroes fighting to stand up for democracy.
And that’s a victory worth celebrating no matter where you fall on the political spectrum.
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12 non-threatening leadership strategies for women
We mustn't hurt a man's feelings.
Men and the feels.
Note: This an excerpt is from Sarah Cooper's book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings.
In this fast-paced business world, female leaders need to make sure they're not perceived as pushy, aggressive, or competent.
One way to do that is to alter your leadership style to account for the fragile male ego.
Should men accept powerful women and not feel threatened by them? Yes. Is that asking too much?
IS IT?
Sorry, I didn't mean to get aggressive there. Anyhoo, here are twelve non-threatening leadership strategies for women.
Encourage.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When setting a deadline, ask your coworker what he thinks of doing something, instead of just asking him to get it done. This makes him feel less like you're telling him what to do and more like you care about his opinions.
Sharing ideas.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When sharing your ideas, overconfidence is a killer. You don't want your male coworkers to think you're getting all uppity. Instead, downplay your ideas as just "thinking out loud," "throwing something out there," or sharing something "dumb," "random," or "crazy."
Email requests.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pepper your emails with exclamation marks and emojis so you don't come across as too clear or direct. Your lack of efficient communication will make you seem more approachable.
Idea sharing.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
If a male coworker steals your idea in a meeting, thank him for it. Give him kudos for how he explained your idea so clearly. And let's face it, no one might've ever heard it if he hadn't repeated it.
Sexism.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you hear a sexist comment, the awkward laugh is key. Practice your awkward laugh at home, with your friends and family, and in the mirror. Make sure you sound truly delighted even as your soul is dying inside.
Mansplain.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Men love explaining things. But when he's explaining something and you already know that, it might be tempting to say, "I already know that." Instead, have him explain it to you over and over again. It will make him feel useful and will give you some time to think about how to avoid him in the future.
Mistakes.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pointing out a mistake is always risky so it's important to always apologize for noticing the mistake and then make sure that no one thinks you're too sure about it. People will appreciate your "hey what do I know?!" sensibilities.
Promotions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Asking your manager for a promotion could make you seem power- hungry, opportunistic, and transparent. Instead, ask a male coworker to vouch for you. Have your coworker tell your manager you'd be great for the role even though you don't really want it. This will make you more likely to actually get that promotion.
Rude.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Sometimes not everyone is properly introduced at the start of a meeting. Don't take it personally even if it happens to you all the time, and certainly don't stop the meeting from moving forward to introduce yourself. Sending a quick note afterward is the best way to introduce yourself without seeming too self-important.
Interruptions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you get interrupted, you might be tempted to just continue talking or even ask if you can finish what you were saying. This is treacherous territory. Instead, simply stop talking. The path of least resistance is silence.
Collaboration.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When collaborating with a man, type using only one finger. Skill and speed are very off-putting.
Disagreements.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When all else fails, wear a mustache so everyone sees you as more man-like. This will cancel out any need to change your leadership style. In fact, you may even get a quick promotion!
In conclusion...
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Many women have discovered the secret power of non-threatening leadership. We call it a "secret power" because no one else actually knows about it. We keep our power hidden within ourselves so that it doesn't frighten and intimidate others. That's what makes us the true unsung heroes of the corporate world.
About the Author: Sarah Cooper
Sarah Cooper is a writer, comedian, and author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings. Her new book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings, is out now.
The comedic book cover.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
A satirical take on what it's like to be a woman in the workplace, Cooper draws from her experience as a former executive in the world of tech (she's a former Googler and Yahooer). You can get the book here.
This article was originally published on March 25, 2019.