Dem
47
GOP
53
In the U.S., the word "protest" tends to be associated with progressive and/or left-wing causes. However, this is not always the case (for example, several of the photos below include right-wing or reactionary protesters). One of the more prominent right-wing protesters, in the last year, is Dr. Phil McGraw. He maintained a largely neutral political persona while he was hosting a show that was meant for mass consumption. However, once that show ended (or was canceled, depending on whom you believe), he pursued a much more "niche" role, with a TV channel called Merit Street that was supposed to be streaming in some markets, and to be on cable, but with a VERY high channel number, in other markets. McGraw did this in partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network and TCT Ministries, which are both religious broadcasters.
With this change in his career, McGraw decided he could let his hair down (well, metaphorically), and could unleash his inner right-winger. It's absolutely his right to be a right-winger, and it's absolutely his right to use his fame and his platform to share his political views, if that is what he wants to do. However, his right-wing activism has largely taken the form of anti-immigrant xenophobia (which is certainly at odds with the "empathetic" character he played on his syndicated show). Further, he's been showing up at ICE raids, and effectively using the raids and the people targeted by raids as props in service of his worldview. That part of it is absolutely vile.
And so, there is certainly some schadenfreude in the fact that McGraw's new venture just blew up in his face. Exactly what went wrong depends on who you believe, and is pretty weedy. However, what it boils down to is that Trinity and TCT have decided, after less than a year, that they don't want to be in business with McGraw after all. And so, McGraw's new media venture has declared bankruptcy, and he has sued his two "partners" for $100 million. McGraw had also expended much oxygen badmouthing Trinity and TCT.
At this point, then, McGraw is off the air. His ICE theatrics have cost him any chance of returning to mainstream airwaves, or of partnering with his former benefactor Oprah Winfrey. Meanwhile, he's angered many Christians, either because they don't like his ideas about immigrants, or they don't like his badmouthing Trinity/TCT. He's also telegraphed to any other potential broadcast partner that he's not reliable, and that he's got an itchy trigger finger when it comes to unleashing the lawyers.
The fact that McGraw was willing to use ICE-targeted individuals was not actually out of character for him. Back when he was "America's counselor," and he had a choice between: (1) ratings, and (2) the well-being of his "patients," he always chose #1. And now, he's not only off the air, but he's unlikely to find another platform, given all the business partners and viewers he's alienated. All we can say is: "Good riddance, you quack." (Z)