In a tweet linking to an AP article fawning over the bravery of their own profession and the importance of their branch of the Liberal Church, Stelter chose the most hideously cringe quote to include in his tweet as a gross overture to himself and his job.

The whole article is just absurd, but the quote, which is from a book that I can only assume is equally absurd, goes above and beyond. Which is of course exactly why the drama queen loves it so.

Network TV anchors were "the closest thing that America had to national leaders on 9/11. They were the moral authority for the country on that first day," especially with political leaders in bunkers or otherwise out of sight... https://t.co/j12NRPr2BM

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 11, 2021

Stelter's critics, which included some prominent figures like Meghan McCain, hopped online to remind him of the heroics of first responders, and the decisive leadership of U.S. officials, most notably former President George W. Bush.

"I don't know what this is even designed to mean other than to be incendiary on a dark anniversary," McCain tweeted. "First responders led & ran into danger and died. Mayor Giuliani, Hillary Clinton, George Pataki, President Bush, Chuck Schumer.... there were many real leaders leading us."

I don't know what this is even designed to mean other than to be incendiary on a dark anniversary.

First responders led & ran into danger and died. Mayor Giuliani, Hillary Clinton, George Pataki, President Bush, Chuck Schumer.... there were many real leaders leading us. https://t.co/60eBxqdvmL

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) September 11, 2021

No, we had the president & the mayor. In NYC, we couldn't even get two of the three networks because their broadcast antennae were atop Tower One. https://t.co/LHP9lF5mJK

— Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) September 11, 2021

These were the leaders and moral authority on that day. Have some respect if you have no shame. pic.twitter.com/DrVqSBK6Dn

— Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) September 11, 2021

Others accused Stelter of making the day of remembrance all about him and his fellow journalists.

*Literally any historical event occurs*

Journalists: "How can I make this about me?" https://t.co/rNkssQWUJn

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 11, 2021

Such revealing insight into the minds of our media https://t.co/06iGgSBfqK

— Benjamin Weingarten (@bhweingarten) September 11, 2021

Reporter fanboy Brian Stelter thinks news anchors were the true heroes of 9-11. Oh my. https://t.co/X5OPTMrAJi

— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 11, 2021

Several pointed out that President Bush was out in front making decisions and being transparent with Americans throughout the tragic day.

"What in the world are you on about?" the Washington Examiner's Becket Adams tweeted. "President Bush delivered an address from the Oval Office that very evening."

what in the world are you on about? President Bush delivered an address from the Oval Office that very evening. also, there’s this:https://t.co/07GOcJUujI

— tsar becket adams (@BecketAdams) September 11, 2021

Stelter responded to that tweet in particular, suggesting he was simply quoting the piece he shared. But several social media users noted he had tacked on his own input to the tweet.

"I remember," Stelter said. "Please send your objections to the author of the story or the person he quoted."

"You added your take outside the quotes!" the Media Research Center's Nicholas Fondacaro responded. "Also, you shared it. So at some level you liked it and agreed with it. You didn’t offer criticism, so what other deduction is there? Stop playing these stupid games Brian. We all know what you’re doing.

You added your take outside the quotes! Also, you shared it. So at some level you liked it and agreed with it. You didn’t offer criticism, so what other deduction is there? Stop playing these stupid games Brian. We all know what you’re doing.

— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) September 11, 2021