More on Franken Amendment, elitism…
In an earlier post I mentioned this Politico article. Here are some excerpts:
Unflattering videos of senators trying to explain their votes have gone viral on the Internet, including one of Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) swatting away a hand-held video camera held by a liberal blogger questioning his vote against the amendment.
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Privately, GOP sources acknowledge that they failed to anticipate the political consequences of a “no” vote on the amendment.
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It has circulated a Web video that used a clip from Rachel Maddow’s MSNBC show to target three senators who face reelection in 2010: Republican Sens. David Vitter of Louisiana, Richard Burr of North Carolina and Jim DeMint of South Carolina.
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“I think the whole purpose of that amendment in my opinion was to create a vote which they could use to attack Republicans,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who was himself confronted by a liberal blogger with a video camera questioning his vote.
First, here are my videos for those of you trying to track them down…
But I think it’s worth saying a few words about this as well…
Why did Republicans miscalculate? Could it possibly be because they felt confident that there wouldn’t be any media around to hold them accountable? God knows that outside the blogosphere, this is the first “mainstream” news story I’ve seen on the topic. Kudos to Politico for covering this, but where were they after the vote was cast?
Would this be a story without my videos? After all, they mention three of my videos in their story.
Why didn’t they link to this “liberal blogger”? I’m not one to bash the Politico (too much) because I think they do a fairly decent job of covering the Hill and they are a critical resource for me. But hell, don’t they think their readers would have wanted to see these “viral” videos? Don’t they think their readers might like to know where to find more work in a similar vein?
Finally, a word about the “elitism” I spoke of in my previous post. This demonstrates what I mean vividly.
Here I am, wearing out my shoe-leather trying to get a story. And I’ve been doing this for several months now.
In an effort to increase my ability to do this kind of reporting, I’ve exchanged contact information with several Democratic Press Secretaries. I’ve explained that I am a progressive news service and that my goal is to quench a thirst for timely progressive news… that it’s not enough to complain about Fox, Nedra Pickler, John Solomen or an inability to get your message out… that growing a progressive media requires cooperation from the news-makers that want to see the progressive media grow…
Perhaps I’m too impatient… But the truth is that I’m having a really difficult time getting my calls returned from most offices.
That’s something I’d understand if my web videos hadn’t been viewed nearly 500,000 times. But hell, it’s clear my work is reaching people, so it’s difficult for me not to see a certain form of elitism in the Democratic communications establishment.
I’m fairly certain that staid and “safe” publications like The Politico have no trouble getting their calls returned. You return the calls of the folks you see at black-tie dinners; sneaker-wearing bloggers… not so much.
I’m an optimist. I know things will change over time… But you’d think these folks would be eager to see a more responsible and responsive media covering stories that build the progressive narrative.
[...] More on Franken Amendment, elitism… at StarkReports.com – In an effort to increase my ability to do this kind of reporting, I’ve exchanged contact information with several Democratic Press Secretaries. I’ve explained that I am a progressive news service and that my goal is to quench a thirst for timely progressive news… that it’s not enough to complain about Fox, Nedra Pickler, John Solomen or an inability to get your message out… that growing a progressive media requires cooperation from the news-makers that want to see the progressive media grow… [...]
Reading Around on November 12th through November 14th | B12 Solipsism
14 Nov 09 at 11:02 pm
Hi Mike,
You are on to something here. Every legislator should be buttonholed every day. Votes, committee hearings, junkets. Popular bills and the esoteric. This way they know that they will be held accountable and we get civics lessons.
I seem to recall that this what journalism is about.
Dan M
14 Nov 09 at 11:03 pm
So did you file a complaint against Cornyn?
Jenny
16 Nov 09 at 3:42 pm
[...] speaking of Richard Burr, call the WAAAAmbulance. Apparently, Senate Republicans are concerned that TV commercials about them supporting government contractors who let their employees get [...]
Odds and ends, Nov. 17 « Blog on the Run: Reloaded
17 Nov 09 at 7:44 pm
As a person who has followed you since callingallwingnuts, I would have to agree with you wholeheartedly. I would propose doing what the Cheetos eaters on the right do…only better. Tap one of the, still rich in this recession ?illionaires draw up a grant proposal, show them your work. This is also an in to wire services and press secretaries. Money is important, it allows you to stay one step ahead of the silent opposition and their problem fixers. They will be an issue, I know it doesn’t seem like it at this point, but it will. Funding will allow you time and resources to delegate things that are/will keep you from your family and basic comforts. For example imagine, at some point you will have to address the issue of the ‘politician on the move’, or the ‘politician running late’. Resources allow you to either be in a place more conducive to having a captive interviewee or to
people being introduced the politicians will feel compelled to stop and talk to. How many politicians would balk at the opportunity to mix it up with supposedly like-minded constituents on camera?
Additionally, the way you ask questions is the most unique aspect as well. You have the gift of restraint at the right time, and most importantly you’re not pressed. Politicians have confidence that they can always escape, and are never taunted. In my opinion, it seems to be the bluedogs or the suspiciously disloyal Dems who seem to be the most fearful. I would suggest learning a bit more inside info on the individuals something they would consider good news, or mood lifting. And/or lead with something unrelative to politics. Some would call it a “lay-up”, but behaviorist or professional interrogators, statement takers and even polygraph administers call it contrasting…setting an emotional, non-verbal and attitude baseline. It only ends up highlighting their subsequent flight when the real questions come. Mixing hard hitting questions and fluff with the skill of a “Simon Says” anouncer is the key. There are some that will never play, they know they are out matched and they know they are wrong and desperately need their parallel universe bubble of reality…Virginia Foxx of NC 5th comes to mind. For this brand of politician the online community must join and help, we are truely lacking in actionable intelligence on candidates outside of what anyone could find on Wikipedia. Can her ice be melted…or is she even a joke to even try? She knows she can’t be trusted to talk to the likes of you. I dare say it would be comedy gold. As organizations band together to finally help you and others like you I hope that everyone with the possibility of helping can be employed.
Good Luck
Manamongst Hussein
17 Nov 09 at 8:51 pm
Also find a publicist, get celebrities that a conservative might think are conservative but really aren’t. Progressive country music stars or just stars, you would be surprised what those Hollywood bashing conservatives will do when a real star gets around them.
Manamongst Hussein
17 Nov 09 at 8:58 pm