For what reason do politicians hammer news reporters for printing or voicing the political news. So a group of reporters now are at a news conference writing down on pads or recording voice or video what exactly is being said. Then repeat word for word in print or on radio or TV what that politician says. Placing in quotes the ill-conceived phraseology that the politician used. His or her quoted words. Quote, end quote. Politician’s words. Not the reporter’s. Later the politician realizes that what was said might not play well with the average voter. And having watched many a presidential news conferences even the most well prepared politician is most uncomfortable and sweating this obligatory exercise.
Then the politician blasts the reported story as bias or “liberal.” Forgetting it is the politician’s own response to reporter’s questions. And reinforced with the politician’s Own revealing facial expressions and body language. Not the journalist. The politician’s self-accusing diatribe and his or her witness to their own bad choice of words. Not thinking what should be said. Sometimes just blathering thoughtless monologue. Monologue that can easily self-condemn the postulating pretense of the bloviating politician. Thus this is the reason why we need the so-called ‘Press.’ Being witness for the average news reader or TV viewer. The fourth estate of society practicing the first amendment and protecting freedom of the press. And may God lead them always to the truth. Amen.
