THE NEUTRAL ZONE
Simon & Schuster canceled the publication of Sen. Josh Hawley’s book following the riots that took place at the Capitol building. The publisher released a statement citing Hawley’s role in “what became a dangerous threat to our democracy and freedom” as the reason for its decision.
Several prominent conservatives spoke out against Hawley’s decision to challenge the legitimacy of the Electoral College vote in the wake of the riots that claimed five lives, and many Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, called for Hawley’s resignation from the senate.
Hawley responded in a statement, tweeting: “This could not be more Orwellian. Simon & Schuster is canceling my contract because I was representing my constituents, leading a debate on the Senate floor on voter integrity, which they have now decided to redefine as sedition.” Hawley added that he will pursue legal action, and Simon & Schuster maintained that it was operating within the bounds of the contractual agreement.
Hawley’s book titled “The Tyranny of Big Tech” was slated for release in June. The argument the senator aimed to present was that big tech companies like Google and Facebook “represent the gravest threat to American liberty since the monopolies of the Gilded Age.”
MEDIA PERSPECTIVE
This section includes an aggregation of articles showing different viewpoints on the topic.
Simon & Schuster Cancels Sen. Josh Hawley’s Book ‘After His Role’ in Inciting Capitol Riot – People – 1/8/2021
Hawley, 41, was one of the Republicans who objected to the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory, touting unfounded claims of voter fraud. The riot happened Wednesday, disrupting the Senate’s process to certify the election results, and led to at least five deaths, including a Capitol Police officer.
‘Orwellian’: Hawley Blasts Simon & Schuster For Canceling His Book Deal Following Capitol Riots – The Daily Wire – 1/7/2021
After the chaos at the Capitol on Wednesday, however, Hawley’s publisher backed out of the deal. “After witnessing the disturbing, deadly insurrection that took place on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Simon & Schuster has decided to cancel publication of Senator Josh Hawley’s forthcoming book,” they explained.
GOP Sen. Josh Hawley under fire after Electoral College challenge – Axios – 1/8/2021
Hawley, who was elected to the Senate in 2018, was viewed as one of the fastest-rising stars in the GOP and a potential 2024 presidential candidate. But the 41-year-old senator’s future prospects are now at risk after he defied GOP leadership to become the first senator to say he would object to the certification of President-elect Biden’s Electoral College win.
Danforth calls his support of Hawley the ‘worst mistake’ of his life – St. Louis Post Dispatch – 1/7/2021
“Supporting Josh and trying so hard to get him elected to the Senate was the worst mistake I ever made in my life,” Danforth said in a phone interview Thursday afternoon. “Yesterday was the physical culmination of the long attempt (by Hawley and others) to foment a lack of public confidence in our democratic system. It is very dangerous to America to continue pushing this idea that government doesn’t work and that voting was fraudulent.”
INFLUENCER PERSPECTIVE
This section includes an aggregation of tweets showing different viewpoints on the topic.
