I need to re-read the First Amendment. Lemme see ... where did I put that? Oh, yeah ... here 'tis:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The pertinent part, parsed, is: "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech or of the press ..."
So exactly how does revoking one man's press credentials -- which are a privilege, not a right -- in any way violate the First Amendment? I don't see any reference in the First Amendment to CNN or to Jim Acosta. Acosta can still write and say whatever he wants. His freedom to express an opinion has not been "abridged." I have written articles for on-line "publications" and even for a couple of print publications. Can I just walk into a White House press conference? No -- they first have to review my background and issue me credentials. More than likely, the nature and scope of my work would be deemed insufficient to qualify me to take up space in the press room, and I would be denied press credentials to the White House. Should I sue because my First Amendment rights are being violated?
I have no sympathy for Acosta. None whatsoever.