Rude behavior at the Capitol ... Under fire for stating the obvious

An umbrella group known as Health Care for America Now - which bills itself as "an unprecedented coalition of major organizations including labor unions, large community-based membership groups, women's groups, doctors, nurses, small businesses, and leading netroots activists" - has launched an effort to bring about quality, affordable health care for every American.

The Missouri contingent of this organization held its launch at the State Capitol in Jefferson City ... and included such activist groups as ACORN, Americans United for Change, Campaign for America's Future, MoveOn, and Planned Parenthood. So far ... so good.

Missourinet's Brent Martin covered the event ... and was irritated ... even bordering on angry ... as he tried to ask a question and was interrupted by a couple of people who took issue with the premise of Brent's question. That question zeroed in on the fact all of the groups taking part are closely aligned with the Democratic Party. Brent asked what any journalist would consider a legitimate question: How these groups which are perceived as being Democratic-leaning will reach out to Republicans.

The question was asked of Ben Murray of Missouri Pro-Growth ... but others - who were part of the event - felt the need to raise their voices to interrupt and distract. Not to be deterred, Brent persevered and asked his question ... and Murray had no trouble answering the question.

Was this a legitimate premise to a question? Let's see ... ACORN ... Planned Parenthood ... MoveOn ... AFSCME ... SEIU ... UFCW ... the NEA. Does anyone doubt that these organizations and unions traditionally align themselves with the Democratic Party? Pointing out the obvious is not, in any way, condemnation of the action. It is simply an acknowledgement of reality and the subsequent search for information in light that acknowledgement. Take a look and a listen ... and judge for yourself.

What might be interesting to Missourians who read stories in the newspaper, listen to them on the radio, or watch them on TV is that this kind of activity - usually (but not in this case) instigated by those who have been brought in as window dressing for the main speakers at an event - is becoming increasingly a part of the landscape. Perhaps they do it in an attempt to bully the media into seeing things their way. But it doesn't work.

Sure ... we covered the story ... but, as is obvious, we've also done a piece on the bad manners of some individuals who don't quite grasp the concept of a news conference in which the media ask questions of a spokesperson. We do not need help from interposers.

- Steve Walsh

Comments

[SPSLE]

Perhaps after 30 years Brent Martin is getting a little too sensitive, or he and/or Mr. Walsh have forgotten how to report facts, rather than their opinions. While I certainly agree that the groups you chose to identify have a clear tendency to endorse or support Democrats, what group did the woman speaking off-screen represent?

All I heard her say is, "We don't endorse any candidates." While she interrupted Mr. Martin, it hardly seemed rude enough for him to become "irritated..even bordering on angry". Is it inappropriate to question a reporter's pre-supposition of "facts" reflected in his question?

Keep in mind that reporters choose what facts they wish to disclose or omit (did you list EVERY organization participating, or only those proving your point?), so you shouldn't be so sensitive to someone rather moderately questioning your accuracy. I hope I don't offend you with this comment.

[shane kovac]

You can accuse Brent of a couple of things and Walsh ALOT of things but not reporting the facts and inserting their opinions is not one of them.

I worked with and spent more time sitting next to Brent Martin over the last 8 years than maybe anyone else. And I can tell you beyond any shadow of a doubt, even after many many long nights and long drawn out conversations to this day i cannot tell you waht political persuasion Brent is.

Oh all the reporters I have ever worked with in my career I would Brent Martin #1 as the most fair and honest journalist there is covering the capitol.

I have been to these rallies and frankly I am surprised Brent even wasted his time going and maybe next time he doesn't.

So say what you want about Walsh, he may deserve it :) but Brent Martin is above reproach when it comes to reporting.

You want unfair and bias call up Kit or Virginia. Heck they may have even been there ralling with these people.

[Darren]

I honestly think the interrupting lady was afraid (nay, TERRIFIED) that the organization would be pigeonholed by the press as a Democratic cause, as opposed to a universal cause with widespread support.
She does have a point. A CBS poll taken in March 2007 showed nine out of ten of those polled felt the current health care system needs fundamental change. The National Small Business Association released a poll of small business owners in May of last year indicating 60% of small to midsized business owners favored universal, government-run health care.
These results aren't surprising. My small business just saw its health insurance premiums rise 18% over last year, while our actual use of the system went DOWN. 18% may sound high, but it's the smallest increase we have seen in several years.

[Steve Walsh]

Hi everybody ... In response to SPSLE's request for a complete list of the participating organizations ... this is from the press release for the event: "The campaign's steering committee includes ACORN, AFSCME, Americans United for Change, Campaign for America's Future, Center for American Progress Action Fund, Center for Community Change, MoveOn, NEA, National Women's Law Center, Planned Parenthood, SEIU, UFCW, and USAction."

[JasonB]

Nope - no democrat leaning organizations in that group. They don't lean at all - they are squarely democratic. Pro-Vote included.

Was that Bob Watson also interupting? Bob's bias is well known and if that was his voice - he may have finally confirmed what everyone suspected.

As to the polls - a majority of people might agree that one system appears better than another but they don't agree when it comes time to not only pay for that system but when they see they reduced quality they quickly get over being enamored with the "greener grass".