Even Hillary Clinton, who could be expected to have some passionate feelings over the thought of Russia influencing our elections, seems to be taking a pass. A speech she delivered last week generated more commentary for her decision to wear a leather jacket than anything she had to say about Russia. Largely because she didn’t say anything about Russia, and instead focused on the entirely safe and predictable topic of promoting women at a women’s leadership event.

Reporters and commentators, however, have an endless supply of pointed questions that have advanced the story way more than the Democrats have. Do you think the investigation began because Pelosi put up a fuss? No, it began because news outlets pressed and prodded, uncovering detail after detail about the president associates’ dealing with Russia.

So, Trump has every reason to fear crushing media cycles more than the likes of Clinton, whom he’s already beaten, or the current crop of elected Democrats who can’t seem to get their act together.

If the media did as Bannon wishes—“be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for awhile”—the Trump White House would have unfettered power, only to be checked by the Republicans on Capitol Hill who have already excused so much of his bad behavior and the close klatch of relatives and yes men and women he surrounds himself with. Meaning, there would be no accountability at all.