Norm Eisen, best known for his roles as the U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic under President Barack Obama and as the White House ethics czar, has now ventured into the media landscape with a bold new startup. Partnering with Jennifer Rubin, a former Washington Post columnist, Eisen has launched The Contrarian, a platform that claims to offer "fearless journalism" in defense of democracy. However, a closer look at its mission and leadership reveals a troubling irony.
The Launch of The Contrarian
Unveiled on January 13, 2025, The Contrarian promises independent journalism untainted by "billionaire influence." It positions itself as a watchdog against perceived threats to democracy, particularly those they allege are embodied by former President Donald Trump and his policies.
This platform aims to cover a broad array of topics, from politics and culture to lighter fare like cooking and pets. Yet, its underlying agenda is far from subtle: an explicitly pro-democracy stance that mirrors Eisen's and Rubin's long-standing opposition to Trump.
Eisen's Vision: A Thin Veneer of Independence
Eisen and Rubin frame The Contrarian as a bold alternative to mainstream media, accusing traditional outlets of failing to adequately address the "dangers" of Trumpism. However, critics argue that this isn’t about independent journalism but a continuation of Eisen’s partisan crusade under the guise of objectivity.
For years, Eisen has been a central figure in efforts to delegitimize Trump’s presidency. His involvement in the impeachment efforts, his influence within left-leaning think tanks, and his authorship of polarizing reports have all cemented his role as a partisan operator. Now, The Contrarian appears to be the latest tool in his arsenal.
Jennifer Rubin: A Shift in Credibility
Rubin’s inclusion in this venture raises additional eyebrows. Once a conservative columnist, Rubin shifted to become one of Trump’s most vocal critics, abandoning her previous ideological identity. Her pivot has drawn both praise and skepticism, with critics labeling her transformation opportunistic rather than principled.
Criticism and Concerns
While The Contrarian markets itself as fearless and independent, its credibility is already under fire. Social media reactions have been swift, with many labeling the platform as a thinly veiled propaganda outlet. Critics on X (formerly Twitter) have pointed out the irony of Eisen positioning himself as a defender of democracy while operating in a manner that some argue mirrors the authoritarian tendencies he claims to oppose.
Eisen’s Real Agenda?
Norm Eisen’s belief that traditional media fails to address the "current political climate" seems rooted in the same authoritarian mindset he purports to resist. By framing dissenting voices as existential threats to democracy, Eisen undermines the very principles of open dialogue and free expression that democracy relies on.
Norm Eisen's Alleged Role in Color Revolution Tactics
Critics of Eisen, particularly in conservative circles, have pointed to his work on legal and political strategies as emblematic of tactics associated with Color Revolutions. The claims center around his strategic influence in shaping political narratives, using legal challenges, and leveraging media to advocate for democratic reforms.
Brookings Institution Reports:
Eisen has authored extensive reports at the Brookings Institution on maintaining democratic integrity, including strategies for election monitoring and combating authoritarianism. These reports have been interpreted by some as blueprints for fostering political change in contentious environments.
Critics argue that Eisen's strategies mirror those used in Color Revolutions, such as coordinating legal and political pressure on incumbent leaders.
Impeachment and Anti-Trump Strategies:
Eisen played a key role as special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during President Trump's impeachment, crafting legal arguments and advising on strategy. Some have drawn parallels between his tactics and the destabilizing strategies often employed in Color Revolutions, particularly the emphasis on rule-of-law frameworks to delegitimize leadership.
Authorship of "The Playbook":
Eisen is often associated with providing a "playbook" for political opposition. His book Overcoming Trumpery outlines methods for countering authoritarian tendencies, which critics argue could be adapted to facilitate mass movements or opposition efforts akin to those seen in Color Revolutions.
Influence on Ukraine and Eastern Europe:
As U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Eisen advocated for democratic reforms and anti-corruption measures. While his work was consistent with U.S. foreign policy, detractors suggest his influence extended to supporting the infrastructure for movements that challenged entrenched power structures, especially in post-Soviet states.
Eisen has a history of working closely with NGOs and advocacy groups, promoting transparency and accountability. Critics claim this aligns with the methods used in Color Revolutions, where international organizations play a key role in mobilizing grassroots movements.
Rebuttals and Context
Support for Democratic Values: Eisen and his supporters argue that his work is rooted in promoting democratic principles, the rule of law, and anti-corruption. They reject the notion that these efforts are destabilizing, framing them instead as essential for combating authoritarianism.
Lack of Direct Evidence: While Eisen's strategies may align with those used in Color Revolutions, there is no concrete evidence that he actively orchestrated such movements.
The initiative also highlights the deep polarization within today’s media landscape. Rather than fostering a platform for genuine debate, The Contrarian seems poised to deepen existing divides by amplifying one-sided narratives under the guise of journalistic integrity.
Eisen’s foray into media through The Contrarian exemplifies the weaponization of journalism in today’s political climate. While claiming to defend democracy, the platform's clear biases and partisan motivations undermine its credibility.
Ultimately, The Contrarian isn’t about fearless journalism—it’s about furthering the agenda of those who equate opposition to their worldview with a threat to democracy. Conservatives and independent thinkers should approach this new venture with caution and a healthy dose of skepticism.
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