Its important to understand that people like Rush, Hannity, etc, aren't "reporters" at all - they're commentators. They're hired and work to INTERPRET the news, not report it. The age of news "reporters" is pretty much dead.
Having said that, the reason why they're popular and famous and rich is because they say what people want to hear - they're the political equivalent of tabloid journalism.
His answer was vitriolic, and I drew back, surprised by his caustic tone.
There are two senses of caustic. Sense 1: acerb, acerbic, acid, acrid, bitter, blistering, caustic, sulfurous, sulphurous, virulent, vitriolic unpleasant (vs. pleasant) Sense 2: caustic, corrosive, erosive, vitriolic, mordant destructive (vs. constructive)
vitriolic = harsh, bitterly scathing or caustic in tone eg The book was so bad that the criticism was vitriolic
Caustic comments can evoke feelings of hurt, anger, defensiveness, or sadness in the recipient. They may also lead to a sense of betrayal or damage to self-esteem. Overall, caustic comments tend to create negative emotional reactions in those who receive them.
Caustic can mean sarcastic or scathing or it can mean able to burn organic tissue by chemical reaction. The solution was caustic enough to burn through clothing. Her caustic comments made the other girl feel bad.
There is no such thing as caustic acid - caustic soda - YES. Caustic potash - YES - but not caustic acid
There is no such thing as caustic acid - caustic soda - YES. Caustic potash - YES - but not caustic acid
non caustic
He is hurt when he heard her caustic remarks of his shoes
Caustic potash is potassium hydroxide (KOH) Caustic soda is sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Your caustic remarks remain unappreciated.
caustic embrittlement