Hide and Seek - GOP Style

September 10, 9:32 AMSnohomish County Progressive ExaminerChad Shue

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Local media watchdog and blogger, Michael Hood (Blatherwatch) tells us about Dino Rossi's "rules of engagement" with the media and the general public:

He'll take no callers. Specific questions have to be asked. He, according to some radio producers, has staffers shoving him papers under the mic during interviews. He won't venture into a radio studio where a host might be hostile or tough.

… He finally did an interview with Ross Reynolds on KUOW's The Conversation (m-f,1-2p) last Thursday (09/04). 

Rossi's conditions: The interview had to be taped, and... no callers. This is all they, we, are getting on the fair medium of local public radio before November.

It's the old tactic of sequestering a candidate who cannot hold their own in a difficult arena or up against an opponent who's stronger. Reporters who'll ask the questions that can get a weak candidate in trouble are persona non grata.

As we have seen  previously from Rossi's efforts to keep certain observers away from his campaign events, transparency is not a virtue of his campaign.

The Rossi model has been so successful however that the national ticket has apparently decided to adopt it for their vice-presidential pick. Eleven days into her campaign and Sarah Palin has yet to make herself available to the media.

Peek-a                                                Boo

When I really think about it though, from what I have heard from either of these two thus far, I’m not sure if the public really isn’t being spared the bother.

Peace,

Chad Shue