By Sometimes, your side gig isn’t just isn’t worth the hassle anymore. In a surprising turn of events, conservative radio host and Washington Post columnist Hugh Hewitt announced his resignation from the paper after a contentious on-air argument.
He said he was sick of the newspaper lying about Trump.
The incident occurred during a live episode of “First Look,” the Post’s online video program where Hewitt and fellow host Jonathan Capehart clashed over media coverage and journalistic standards related to former President Donald Trump and ongoing Republican election strategies.
The discussion became especially tense when Hewitt pointed to a recent Republican legal win in Pennsylvania, while Capehart tried to portray the victory in court as Trump trying to suppress the vote or “contest” the election. This prompted an intense exchange about media responsibility and objectivity. Hewitt insisted on a balanced approach, arguing, “We are newspeople, even though we have opinions, and we have to report the whole story if we bring up part of the story.” Capehart fired back, challenging Hewitt’s interpretation: “I don’t appreciate being lectured about reporting when, Hugh, many times you come here saying lots of things that aren’t based in fact.”
The debate soon took a personal turn, with visible frustration building on both sides. In a dramatic moment, Hewitt removed his earpiece and declared, “I won’t come back, Jonathan, I’m done… this is the most unfair election ad I have ever been a part of.” After Hewitt exited the broadcast, co-guest Ruth Marcus, appearing remotely, was left speechless, while Capehart sat in silence, clearly taken aback as the show ended abruptly.
Another bad day for @WashingtonPost. Upset with @CapehartJ and @RuthMarcus for inaccurate attacks on Trump, @hughhewitt rips off his headset and leaves lives #PostLive show. “I’m done. This is the most unfair election ad I have ever been a part of.” Show falls apart, ends early. pic.twitter.com/fsGC1GhIrx
— Brent Baker 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 (@BrentHBaker) November 1, 2024
Hewitt’s resignation follows a series of challenging moments for The Washington Post, which has found itself under increased chaos. Just last week, the paper faced widespread criticism after announcing it would no longer endorse candidates in presidential races. The decision, according to the Post’s editorial team, was intended to avoid influencing the political process or compromising its reputation for neutrality. However, the move led to the resignation of three editorial board members, sparking further conversation about the paper’s direction and how it maintains balance in its reporting.
Politico noted that “a Post spokesperson didn’t directly address Hewitt’s departure, but said in a statement to POLITICO that “As the newsroom’s live journalism platform, Washington Post Live is known for its dynamic conversations and thought-provoking perspectives on top issues of the day, such as this morning’s “First Look” program.”
Hewitt, a former Reagan administration official turned conservative pundit, had worked as a contributing columnist at the Post since 2017. He has clashed with Trump before his first presidential run but has since become a supporter, with the former president frequently giving interviews on Hewitt’s radio show.”
The owner of The Washington Post, billionaire Jeff Bezos, recently said in a column defending his decision for the newspaper to not endorse for president that changes need to be made among the mainstream media.
He wrote, “Lack of credibility isn’t unique to The Post. Our brethren newspapers have the same issue. And it’s a problem not only for media, but also for the nation. Many people are turning to off-the-cuff podcasts, inaccurate social media posts and other unverified news sources, which can quickly spread misinformation and deepen divisions. The Washington Post and the New York Times win prizes, but increasingly we talk only to a certain elite. More and more, we talk to ourselves.”
It’s hard not to watch the video and see Capehart and Marcus as falling into that category.
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