Strange comment by Dean: Want candidates to talk thuthfully? Bar the press.

Stylerod · 04-25-2007, 05:20 PM

Dean: Bar Media and Candidates Will Talk
The head of the Democratic Party said Wednesday that the best way to get presidential candidates to talk frankly about issues is to lock out the media.

During the Mortgage Bankers Association conference, a banker expressed frustration with candidates who only talk in sound bites and wondered how that could be changed. Howard Dean, once a presidential candidate, offered a simple solution.

"I suggest you have candidates in to meetings like this and bar the press," Dean said.

The Democratic National Committee chairman criticized media coverage, arguing that networks such as CBS used to put content first and didn't mind losing money for the prestige of delivering a quality news report. Dean said the days of Walter Cronkite are gone and the corporatization of the media has led to a desire to boost profits.

"The media has been reduced to info-tainment," Dean said. "Info-tainment sells, the problem is they reach the lowest common denominator instead of forcing a little education down our throats, which we are probably in need of from time to time."

Dean was considered a strong contender for the 2004 Democratic nomination, but after finishing third in the Iowa caucuses, he gave a speech that included a rant punctuated by a scream. The clip was shown repeatedly on television and became the subject of late-night jokes. ADVERTISEMENT

Dean said politicians live in fear that their words will be twisted for the sake of headlines.

"Politicians are incredibly careful not to say anything if they can possibly help it, except if it is exactly scripted. And if you want to hear anybody's true views, you cannot do it in the same room as the press," Dean said. "If you want to hear the truth from them, you have to exclude the press."

I guess I know what he is trying to say. The press will turn anything around to try to make a news story out of it. But barring the press from events seems rather extreme. Plus, now with pocket camcorders and cell phone vids nothing is really private anymore.

DosEquis · 04-25-2007, 05:47 PM

He is just pissed because they played that Y AAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWHHLL over and over

Publius · 04-25-2007, 05:49 PM

strange comment yes, but probably accurate ... if there was a way they could be sure no one would have a verbatim recording of their comments, i bet they would be a bit more open and honest.

but at the same time, that leaves room for hearsay, which could be good or bad.

Stylerod · 04-25-2007, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

He is just pissed because they played that Y AAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWHHLL over and over

Oh, you KNOW he is.

RMNIXON · 04-25-2007, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

He is just pissed because they played that Y AAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWHHLL over and over

He is no fan of the media to be sure!

But I suspect something more? In the old days candidates could get away with traveling about and giving a message to a certain audiance and while the event would get reported, every little thing said was not instantly out all over the place. Now every Hillary Southern Drawl, McCain Beachboys, or Kerry lifting a Rifle hits the blogs and then National News! I think that is getting on the nerves of the Campaigns?

Linzyhop · 04-26-2007, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by RMNIXON

He is no fan of the media to be sure!

But I suspect something more? In the old days candidates could get away with traveling about and giving a message to a certain audiance and while the event would get reported, every little thing said was not instantly out all over the place. Now every Hillary Southern Drawl, McCain Beachboys, or Kerry lifting a Rifle hits the blogs and then National News! I think that is getting on the nerves of the Campaigns?

more like technology and how widespread everything is now. can't really "blame" the media per se but better communication happens with better networks.

grembert · 04-26-2007, 11:17 AM

Could you imagine running for president, knowing you can NEVER make an off-handed comment like -- " Get that camera out of my face ", or " Get out of my way, Grandma " or " Shut up when I am talking " ? It would get on anybody's nerves.

hsmith · 04-26-2007, 01:15 PM

Or talk to candidates that won't feed you lines.

Paul talked at length off the cuff on Tuesday when I saw him. they had sam brownback (?) at the event the week before, he gave a canned stump speech.

RMNIXON · 04-26-2007, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Linzyhop

more like technology and how widespread everything is now. can't really "blame" the media per se but better communication happens with better networks.

You got that right!

And I think it does make them less honest when the handlers worry about every off hand remark that will offend somebody!

At the same time they must be more honest about a consistent message on issues, not just play to one crowd or another.