Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino Tony Dokoupil’s Disastrous Debut, MAGA Media’s ICE-Cold Spin, and Elon Musk’s Grok Goes Off the Rails
Jan 9, 2026
Tony Dokoupil's chaotic debut as CBS Evening News anchor is scrutinized, highlighting his awkward moments and the network's rightward shift. MAGA Media faces backlash for their insensitive response to an ICE shooting victim while Fox News draws criticism for its praise of government actions in Venezuela. The hosts dive into Elon Musk's controversial Grok app, which has sparked outrage over its content and misinformation claims. Lastly, Dan Bongino makes a fiery comeback, taking aim at Matt Gaetz and stirring up tensions within the MAGA sphere.
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CBS Evening News Swings Right Fast
- Tony Dokoupil's CBS relaunch signaled an overt editorial shift to the right rather than a subtle repositioning.
- Hosts and guests skew toward Trump administration figures and soft interviews instead of balanced pushback.
Selective 'Both Sides' Coverage Erodes Credibility
- The new CBS show often presents single-side interviews when coverage flatters Trump allies instead of offering dissenting voices.
- That inconsistent 'both sides' approach undermines Tony Dokoupil's pledge of broader representation.
On-Air Salute To Marco Rubio
- The newscast ran a glowing profile that ended with the line, "Marco Rubio, we salute you."
- Jon Passantino said the salute came off like state TV and blatant flattery.