We’ve known for some time that the Bush administration loves to control the message, and they’re very good at it. From distributing fake “news reports” for local TV stations to vetting campaign rally attendees, this administration has made sure that people never ask the wrong questions.
The trend continues:
The RNC has kindly added its own roving “reporters” to the pool feed from the floor of the convention hall. Thus, we have to cut out of our live coverage whenever one of these mike-toters comes on cam to “interview” a delegate. Typical hard-hitting question: “What do you think about the new America?” I won’t run for office if they quit doing interviews in my pool feed.
UPDATE: John Cook, TV reporter at the Chicago Tribune, read this blog and did a little sniffing. Turns out the people are five Republican-paid “Convention Jockeys.” The RNC describes its “CJs” as “offer(ing) a fresh look at how President George W. Bush’s policies are improving the lives of everyday Americans.” Hey, thanks – we were having a hard time with that one.
