If the so-called legacy media hates you then you know you are doing something right. No two figures have garnered more vitriolic scorn from the likes of the New York Times and other elite media types than Donald J. Trump and Sarah H. Palin.

So we should not be surprised the failing New York Times editorial writers reached into their deranged, vindictive and twisted memories and resurrected a 2011 attack on Palin that was never true in the first place.

Ms. Palin’s PAC was blamed for a flyer it printed showing a map of targeted electoral districts with cross hairs in the shooting of Rep. Gabby Giffords back in 2011. But the ridiculous  connection was disproven after we learned the shooter, who was anything but a Tea Party Republican, had been planing his attack well before the flyer came out.

Just as we learned with the manufactured national guard scandal that ended the career of Dan Rather, when a media type has an agenda and wants something to be true so badly they lose all sense of judgment and reality.

The good news in all of this is the legacy media’s credibility has never been more damaged and is well beyond repair. They’ve lost their juice and their only influence comes with equally-jaded partisans with a postmodern lack of interest in the truth and eyes only for the advancement of their ideology.

If the failing New York Times is looking for what drove James Hodgkinson to shoot at Republicans maybe they should look at what the leaders of his movement have said in recent days.

Like New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio who sternly cautioned “children will die” if President Trump’s proposed budget is approved by Congress.

Or how about Hillary Clinton who characterized Trump’s budget as having “an unimaginable level of cruelty” against the poor and needy.

And then House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi said  the Trump budget was “literally a killer” for those who depend on Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Literally she said. The implication was clear. Trump will kill people with his budget.

If the half-wits at the New York Times were sincerely looking for a motivation for Wednesday’s horrific shootings they didn’t have to look far. But that’s what deeply rooted bitterness and hatred will do to you. Blind you to what’s clearly two feet in front of your face.

Dan Fagan is a former television news reporter, journalism professor, newspaper columnist, and radio talk show host. He grew up in New Orleans and currently lives there. He is a regular contributor for The Hayride. If you have a news tip for Mr. Fagan you can reach him at faganshow@gmail.com or 504-458-2542.