McCrory and the Media
2012-05-29 - by
Carter pointed out (“Counting His Luck Stars,” below) how Pat McCrory unwisely opened himself up to a counterstrike by Democratic lawyers.
In that same press conference, McCrory unwisely picked another fight: with the media. The N&O reported that “McCrory chastised reporters at his news conference, saying their stations should pull the ad.”
He told them: “Many of you are making money off these ads, and your salary is being paid by these ads. You may have a conflict of interest on this issue. Maybe you ought to interview yourself at the same time.”
Three striking things there. First, it’s one thing to criticize “the media,” or “liberal editors.” It’s another thing to go after reporters personally. Not smart.
Second, once again (see my earlier blog, “Thin Skin”), McCrory signals that he doesn’t handle the heat of a campaign well.
Third, he shows a striking defensiveness about this Tree.com matter.
And he ensured that it will stay squarely in the spotlight for some time to come. That’s bad political judgment.
Suddenly, Democrats smell blood.
McCrory and the Media
2012-05-29/
Carter pointed out (“Counting His Luck Stars,” below) how Pat McCrory unwisely opened himself up to a counterstrike by Democratic lawyers.
In that same press conference, McCrory unwisely picked another fight: with the media. The N&O reported that “McCrory chastised reporters at his news conference, saying their stations should pull the ad.”
He told them: “Many of you are making money off these ads, and your salary is being paid by these ads. You may have a conflict of interest on this issue. Maybe you ought to interview yourself at the same time.”
Three striking things there. First, it’s one thing to criticize “the media,” or “liberal editors.” It’s another thing to go after reporters personally. Not smart.
Second, once again (see my earlier blog, “Thin Skin”), McCrory signals that he doesn’t handle the heat of a campaign well.
Third, he shows a striking defensiveness about this Tree.com matter.
And he ensured that it will stay squarely in the spotlight for some time to come. That’s bad political judgment.
Suddenly, Democrats smell blood.