The trial of Alex Murdaugh, the scion of the famous (and infamous) South Carolina family that amassed generations of legal power, concluded last week. He was found guilty and sentenced to life without parole for the murders of his wife and son, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. The whole thing was breathlessly covered on cable news. Sure enough, it was also breathlessly complained about by political pundits who believe there's more "important" news that needs covering.
Ah yes, why would cable news fixate on this truly bonkerballs string of crimes — corruption, fraud, drug abuse, and of course, murder — that would put any Southern gothic novel to shame? It hardly seems a mystery, especially when it seems that time spent not on this murder is instead dedicated to endless speculation about presidential primaries that are a year away and already have painfully predictable outcomes. (It's Donald Trump and Joe Biden again, folks. Sorry to spoil the surprise.) And it's not like they're going to suddenly start having fruitful discussions on policy that will no doubt invite viewers to turn the channel.
