McCain security ousts reporter

[babsbunny]

http://floridacapitalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080802/CAPITOLNEWS/808020312

By Paul Flemming
FLORIDA CAPITAL BUREAU


Tallahassee Democrat senior writer Stephen Price on Friday was singled out and asked to leave a media area at the Panama City rally of presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.

Price was among at least three other reporters, and the only black reporter, surrounding McCain's campaign bus — Gov. Charlie Crist and his fiancee, Carole Rome, were already aboard — when a member of the Arizona senator's security detail asked the reporter to identify himself. Price had shown his media credentials to enter the area.


Price showed his employee identification as well as his credentials for the Friday event.

"I explained I was with the state press, but the Secret Service man said that didn't matter and that I would have to go," Price said.

When another reporter asked why Price was being removed, she too was led out of the area. Other state reporters remained.

Jonathan Block does advance work for McCain's campaign. He was in Panama City on Friday but was not present when reporter Stephen Price was asked to move from a restricted area.

[frogcycle]

1. Oh, come on; it was just a random selection!

"The campaign advance man said there were many reasons that could have prompted Price being asked to move, depending on how visible his press identification was, whether he had a bag and possibly information about McCain's movement, which could have prompted the security person to move people in one area and not in another."

Or, on the other hand, it could be because he alone among the many local press people in the "wrong" area was "reporting while black".

No, THAT couldn't happen...

[Doug.Goodall]

2. I wonder what their selection criteria was for singling out the only black reporter there.

[nc4bo]

3. The Urban League wasn't very nice to Mr. Lame

they asked some very icky questions regarding race to His Maverickness that had him fumbling and bumbling like the Simple Simon he really is.

I don't blame him, I'd tell my people to keep "those" people away from me and mine too.

[frogcycle]

5. kind of like his snub of the WSJ reporter the other day

I don't know what was the reason for that, but it was a clear retribution for something. That's how he deals with the press. Play nice and you get to write stories that show you "have access" and win favor with your corporate media brothel employers. Be actual journalists, and the straight talk express will just run you down.

[kitfalbo]

4. Um...

Nice to know this doesn't make the news. They aren't even offering a true apology. Just lets you know the true state of the media.

[Danger Mouse]

6. If McCain keeps pissing off the media like this...it'll come back to bite him.

[Orsino]

7. Oops. The Big Tent's service entrance is around back. n/t