In his critique of American society, Gore Vidal asserts that the media is controlled by powerful interests, which he refers to as "bandits." He argues that this media manipulation propagates a misleading narrative portraying America as the greatest nation, failing to acknowledge the struggles faced by its citizens. According to Vidal, the media's role is to cheerlead for these elites, diverting attention from the realities of life for the average American.

Moreover, Vidal emphasizes that the media's influence contributes to a broader infantilization of the republic, suggesting that American television has played a significant role in shaping this dynamic. By presenting a sanitized and glorified view of the country, the media fosters complacency and a lack of critical engagement among the populace, allowing powerful interests to continue their dominance without challenge.