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Linsey Davis held Trump’s feet to the fire. How she became ABC News’ rising star

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Linsey Davis held Trump's feet to the fire. How she became ABC News' rising star

As I delve into the life and career of Linsey Davis, a remarkable woman who has broken barriers and left her indelible mark in journalism, I find myself deeply inspired by her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to fairness.

2024’s presidential debates might be known for witty comments from candidates. However, during Tuesday’s encounter between former President Trump and Vice President Harris, a straightforward factual statement stole the spotlight, setting it apart from the usual exchange.

ABC News host Linsey Davis stated straightforwardly that there is no part of this nation where it’s permissible to take a newborn’s life post-birth,” echoing the conversational tone viewers recognize from her appearances on “ABC World News Tonight” on Sundays and her daily live stream news broadcast, “ABC News Live Prime.

Her correction was a response to Trump’s claim that the Democratic Party’s support of abortion rights includes “executing” an infant after it’s born, something he has repeatedly said on the campaign trail. In an era in which misinformation spreads fast and furious, Davis’ real-time fact check cut through the proceedings like a sharp blade.

Alongside fellow moderator David Muir, Davis spent countless hours analyzing campaign speeches and interviews in preparation for the highly anticipated debate at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center. Armed with rebuttals for the candidates’ most questionable remarks, they were all set to address these issues during the event.

Over a morning meal at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia, Davis, sporting pink eyewear, expressed that his move to adjust the candidates was prompted by the subpar performance during the June 27 CNN debate between Trump and President Biden. This lackluster display reportedly led to Biden’s departure from the race.

Davis mentioned that it was worrying when statements weren’t challenged either by candidate Biden or the moderators at the time they were made,” (paraphrased).

In their plan, Muir and Davis assigned different subjects for analysis. Davis expected, while grilling Trump about the topic, that his misleading statement regarding abortions would surface.

“That was an obvious thing to get on the record,” Davis said.

Prior to the debate, different potential situations were rehearsed in mock discussions that resembled actual broadcasts. The hosts and ABC News staff fine-tuned their questions and anticipated various responses.

Criticisms towards her and Muir’s methodology were predictably divided based on political affiliations. Those who backed Harris found it commendable, while supporters of Trump on Fox News and other conservative media outlets claimed they were unfairly targeting the former president, allowing his Democratic rival to escape scrutiny instead.

Davis admitted that neither she nor Muir were able to catch every inaccuracy. However, they had carefully reviewed each candidate’s previous work beforehand and had a good understanding of the likely outcomes.

“Politicians tend to say the same things again and again,” Davis said.

In the lead-up, Davis, an experienced journalist at ABC News for 17 years, mentally rehearsed potential questions while jogging every day. She and her entrepreneur husband Paul Roberts have completed half-marathons in 46 different states. Prayer also played a significant role in her preparations.

Davis shared, “Before I set off to Philadelphia, my spouse offered a brief prayer. He asked God to provide me with the right words to speak. This is referenced in the scriptures. Specifically, there were individuals praying for me, asking for wisdom, discernment, bravery, and peace.” Davis is a Christian author of faith-based children’s books.

A cousin of Davis set up a prayer meeting on Zoom as well.

30 relatives gathered in Philadelphia to back Davis. They organized a viewing event at The Ritz. Not surprisingly, Beverly, Davis’ mom, appreciated her daughter’s unyielding determination.

Upon discovering the ability to read, she exclaimed, ‘Mommy, why didn’t you tell me that letters form words?'” she would remark. “At times, I find myself needing to clarify, ‘Linsey, this isn’t a news broadcast, it’s a conversation.’

Davis is set to play a critical role in the future at ABC News.

A University of Virginia alumnus named Davis spent a decade working in local TV news stations located in Syracuse, NY; Flint, MI; and Indianapolis before joining ABC NewsOne as a New York-based correspondent in 2007. The course of her career took a different direction when Diane Sawyer, the host of “ABC World News” from 2009 to 2014, was seated at the program’s news desk along with Michael Corn, who served as the show’s executive producer during that period.

Sawyer commented as we gazed upward at the mute screens, ‘There was a young lady on display, her serene yet intent gaze captivating both the camera and us viewers, even without any sound.’

Sawyer and Corn examined Davis’ work (including audio) and promptly recruited her to join their “World News” team as a correspondent. According to Sawyer, she is a dedicated journalist who values the perspective of news viewers, and this dedication shines through.

On various shows within their network, Davis started making regular appearances, such as “Good Morning America.” There, she emerged as a key reporter for stories about missing women, which were frequent on the program during that period and often had unfortunate outcomes.

Davis remembered an executive advising him to smile more. In response, he remarked, “But everyone here is deceased.

Her passion for sharing inspiring tales paved the way for her second profession as an author. So far, she has published six children’s books, with the most recent one making it to the bestseller list just this year. (Additionally, being a mother of an 10-year-old boy inspired her, as she found limited books featuring young Black boys as main characters.)

In 2020, Davis became the lead face of the network’s streaming news channel, ABC News Live.

Initially, Davis was reluctant to assume the role due to the uncertainty about the network’s dedication to the service in the past. However, with the increasing importance of expanding the streaming channel, it has become crucial as traditional news divisions can no longer solely rely on scheduled viewings for their morning shows and nightly news broadcasts.

Davis’ “ABC News Live Prime” deviates from conventional evening news programs by featuring extended interviews and segments, as demonstrated by a recent eight-minute report on the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela.

The numbers for their streaming platforms haven’t been publicly disclosed, but several executives mention that these figures are relatively small when compared to conventional television ratings.

However, Davis recognizes that audience preferences have evolved. To cater to this change, she’s open to working on multiple platforms such as daily radio broadcasts, which are essential for reaching a wide audience in today’s fractured media environment.

Davis mentioned that his elderly parents’ acquaintances have been wondering about him, asking ‘Whatever happened to Linsey?’ He explained that he’s largely disappeared except for one night each week. His niece and nephew, all under 30 years old, keep up with him on their phones and are familiar with Linsey Davis.

Each evening, Davis broadcast her program live from both the Republican and Democratic national conventions, specifically from Chicago where the Democrats convened. Inside the bustling, cramped studio at the United Center, well-known political figures like Rep. Nancy Pelosi were whisked through, sharing space with half-eaten meals and snacks, as well as thick black cables.

During a pause in the broadcast, Davis discussed the anticipations and hurdles faced by a Black female journalist reporting on Harris. Having grown up in New Jersey with her father running a construction business and her mother teaching high school English, she gained insight into the civil rights era. The significance of the vice president’s campaign couldn’t escape her notice.

Simultaneously, Davis refrains from utilizing her platform for activism, and her career lacks the explosive headlines or trending moments that often characterize others. Instead, she is viewed by peers as a traditionalist, known for her dedication to impartiality and equilibrium.

Due to the divisive nature of today’s politics, Davis decided to temporarily deactivate her social media platforms to avoid interactions with individuals who falsely accused her of supporting Harris.

She acknowledged a common perception about herself which she cannot escape when reporting on this subject, and the anonymous commentators on Instagram constantly reinforce this daily.

On Tuesdays, Davis found comfort and support from her trusted companion as she got ready for the evening ahead. Carole Simpson, a former ABC News anchor, who made history by moderating a presidential debate in 1992 as the first African-American woman to do so, was that friend.

During that confrontation, Bill Clinton dealt a powerful punch by saying “I understand your struggle” to a viewer distressed about the economy, while the sitting Republican George H.W. Bush glanced at his timepiece instead.

Some critics attributed Bush’s subpar display to Simpson, claiming she was unjust towards the president. Facing death threats, she needed a personal bodyguard provided by ABC. “People will always choose to believe what they prefer,” Simpson responded.

Last year, the two initially crossed paths when Simpson visited New York to receive an accolade. As he put it, “She seemed to trail after me like a devoted pet.” He affectionately refers to her as his “anchor child.

For many years now, Simpson and she have maintained a strong friendship. Simpson frequently provides insights based on her tenure as anchor of “World News Tonight’s” Sunday edition, a role she held for 17 years, to her friend. Davis takes great satisfaction in being a mentor, an aspect she lacked early in her career when working in local news.

In Davis’ own words, “There seemed to be an unspoken assumption among Black women that there could only be one of us. This competition was sharp for me and left me feeling disappointed. It also made me resolve, if I ever find myself in a position of power, I will not behave the way others have.

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2024-09-12 00:02

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