The passing of former Oklahoma Republican Senator James M. Inhofe at the age of 89 sparked controversy among major news outlets, particularly over their treatment of his environmental stance in obituaries. Inhofe, who served as Oklahoma's longest-serving senator from 1994 to 2023 and chaired the Environment Committee, was known for his outspoken scepticism on climate change and global warming.

"HuffPost reported the death of longtime former Oklahoma Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe at age 89, noting his status as one of Congress's most vehement climate change deniers," the Tulsa World announced on Tuesday. The article highlighted Inhofe's infamous Senate floor demonstration in February 2015, when he brandished a snowball in what was seen as an attempt to discredit climate change.

Politico initially ran the headline, "Former Sen. Jim Inhofe, who called climate change a ‘hoax,’ dead at 89," drawing criticism, including from Sen. Ted Cruz's communications director Darin Miller, who called it "highly offensive." Following the backlash, Politico revised the headline to a more neutral "Former Sen. Jim Inhofe dead at 89." Billy Gribbin, communications director for Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, criticized Politico's approach, stating, "Politico's handling of Senator Inhofe's passing lacked respect for his legacy as Oklahoma's longest-serving senator and a distinguished figure in the Senate." He later acknowledged the headline change, saying, "It was a necessary correction."

July 9, 2024

Responding to the controversy, a Politico spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "Headlines undergo regular testing and rotation based on various factors, including reader engagement." The New York Times chose the headline, "James M. Inhofe, Senator Who Denied Climate Change, Dies at 89," which also faced criticism for its stark portrayal. Radio host Erick Erickson compared the Times' treatment of Inhofe's passing to obituaries for Democratic senators like Edward M. Kennedy and Robert C. Byrd, which he viewed as more respectful in tone. Inhofe passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by his wife Kay, children, and other family members, according to a former senior aide who spoke to Fox News. His death followed a stroke he suffered around the Fourth of July holiday.

July 9, 2024