Broadcasting on Philadelphia’s WNTP 990 AM on December 6th, presidential contender Rick Santorum joined Fox News commentator Dennis Miller’s radio program to discuss the Republican 2012 primary.
After briefly touching on the former Pennsylvania senator’s campaign, the topic turned to the execution of the GOP debates – a subject which has frequently drawn the ire of conservative talk radio (be the events moderated by NBC or Fox News).
No accolades for debate moderators
“It must be frustrating at these debates.” Miller speculated.
“As I watch these debates I think for god sakes how have these moderators – how has Wolf Blitzer the hapless U Boat commander – gotten in charge of me and what I want to hear from presidential candidates.” Miller fumed.
Santorum's say
“Is it frustrating to you when the time seems to be parsed out in disproportionate amounts?” the radio host asked.
“Yeah it is. And I sort of kick myself a little bit – because I sort of let it get to me in a few times.” the senator demurely acknowledged before continuing.
“People have [said] – and, I don’t know whether you’ve commented on it – I came across as a little petulant at times because you sit out there and everybody else is getting questions and you’re like: hey, I know a little about these things too. Why don’t you pitch me a dog biscuit here?” Santorum confessed.
“It’s been frustrating, and I let the frustration come out. That’s not good for me. And you let the guys get the best of you.” the presidential hopeful concluded.
“Can I tell you Rick it is.” Miller objected, coming to the former Pennsylvania senator’s defense.
“Can I tell you one thing – listen. Just somebody watching these things – petulance is in the eyes of the do-er. You seem like a nice man who probably over-judges yourself.” the radio host observed.
“We all sit here and shake our heads and say – come on, let that guy talk for awhile.” Miller insisted. “And when you judge yourself harshly – listen – you got enough people that are going to judge you harshly – you gotta stay on your own team baby.”
“You weren’t petulant. It was just like – come on – let’s play square.” the radio host concluded.
Retail Politics in the Hawkeye State
Santorum was reluctant to express vociferous ire towards the media and instead connected the conversation to his own political campaign strategy.
“For me, I’ve gotta make sure I’m out there and showing people who I really am and [giving] people an idea of what I really believe even.” he remarked, “And I can’t be responding and reacting to what the moderators are doing. I think you’re right. They tend to try to control the field.”
Dennis Miller offered encouragement for Santorum’s greater emphasis on retail-style campaigning rather than courting national media coverage.
“You get a third or a close fourth in Iowa the game is afoot,” Miller predicted, pitching advice for the presidential hopeful’s ad campaign.
Differing approaches
It’s worth noting Santorum seemed far more reserved in criticizing the mainstream media than some of his fellow Republican presidential contenders.
Indeed, Dennis Miller alluded to this, commenting, “Listen Gingrich is pulling this off tearing them a new one. Now I know that’s probably not in your DNA, but don’t think you’re being petulant.”
This contrasts Santorum’s approach towards the media with some of his rivals.
But more importantly, Dennis Miller expressed the shared frustration with conservative talk radio regarding the conduct of nearly every GOP presidential debate – with the September 22nd CNN/Tea Party debate proving an exception.
With less than a month remaining before the presidential primaries, four GOP debates remain with the first staged by ABC at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on December 10th.
Whether its moderators take talk radio’s criticisms to heart – only time will tell.
PA Senator Santorum and Dennis Miller discuss presidential campaign on December 6th is available here
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Podcasts and recaps of the Dennis Miller show are available here
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