BORDER/IMMIGRATION/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/WALL: “President Donald Trump wants to address the nation from the Oval Office on Tuesday [1-8-19] night to talk about immigration — specifically his desire to build a wall — and, presumably, the shutdown of the federal government. Broadcast networks are giving the president a slot in prime time to make his case. Cable news outlets will, too. Pundits, armchair and otherwise, have taken to social media to debate whether the networks should have granted Trump the time. Just what we need, division concerning division. Should they have? I think, probably, yes. Although that comes with a major caveat: It is essential that all the networks fact-check Trump in real time, as he’s speaking. They have the technology, and they need to use it.There’s no requirement that networks air this or any other presidential address. And prime time is expensive real estate. But, typically, if it’s something of national importance, they will air a presidential address.”
–Bill Goodykoontz, “Donald Trump’s credibility will be put to the test, yet again: Today’s talker,” USA Today, January 8, 2019 3:23 pm