Is there any way to reconcile the above that does not involve CNN being propaganda and/or what is essentially state run media similar to what is broadcast in North Korea or China?
It is, and always was, but you guys are realizing it now (I'm not blaming you).
Remember the CNNs news justifing the "war on terror" a decade ago, the evil muslims, dictators, the weapons of mass destruction... helping the rebels in Syria, now the same in Venezuela.
CNN supports bankers, debt, war... it doesn't matter if the guy in power is a republican or democrat, as long as it does any (or all) of that.