Message Control

   Politicians complain that the news media devote too much time and space to negative aspects of their doings and not enough to the good things they do. At the same time, they object that the reverse is true for coverage of their opponents.
   They do this even as staffers try to control the political message and limit press access to the candidate.
   You can't have it both ways, guys.

   A free press is essential in a free society, and voters have a right to expect full information about what a political candidate says and does, and what that candidate proposes to do if elected.
   Vague hints are not enough, and assurances like, "Trust me, I'll get it done" fail to explain the how.
   News reporting depends on the classic Five W's -- Who, What, Where, When and Why -- plus another, equally important question -- How.
   Refusal to answer these questions, or to even provide access that would enable reporters to put specific aspects of these questions directly to the candidate, is tantamount to attempting to control the news media.
   It's one thing for a candidate, or any politician in or out of office, to try to put the best face on his positions and policies, but it's quite another to minimize journalistic access and maximize attacks on opponents.
   Message control is to be expected of anyone in the public eye. Media control, by refusing to meet the press and attacking journalists who try to ask tough questions, is unacceptable.

   Inevitably, citizens will begin to ask, "How dumb do they think we are?" The answer, unfortunately, seems to be, "Very."

   COME BACK, SHAME -- A politician's favorite comeback when called out on something is along this line: "I was misquoted. The media misquoted me. What I really meant was ... "
   That won't work, guys. Roll the tape.
   We only hear what you say. If that's what you mean, shame on you. If not, shame on you for being unable to express yourself and say what you mean.
   Either way, the shame is yours, either because you're wrong or because you're incompetent.
   You're playing in the Big League now. The American people deserve better.