Well the problem is indeed that conservatives would definitely think of CNN as left, or liberal, even if CNN should not or is not thinking of itself that way. The behavior at CNN is reminiscent of Sean Hannity on Fox during the insurrection, i.e., both media's are trying to support their respective favorite politician. I'm not trying to justify it, but I think it's more driven by bi-partisan divide and loyalty to a particular politician, than it is by a hunger for ratings.