Posted on 06/14/2010 9:17:01 AM PDT by markomalley
There is a right way and a wrong way to handle it, when a stranger comes up to you with a flip camera and asks you a question you don’t want to answer. Democrat Congressman Bod Etheridge demonstrates the wrong way.
Cameras are ubiquitous to the culture, and elected officials who (at least in theory) “serve” at the pleasure of the citizenry need to deal with that fact. If a citizen steps in the way and asks a question, and the elected official hasn’t the time or the inclination to parley, he can say that; he can ignore them; he or she can crack a joke or manage a pleasant brush off (Democrat Congressman Barney Frank, to his credit, is a master at the pleasant brush off); he can even say, “get away, kid, ya bother me, ” ala W. C. Fields, but he or she may not get physical.
Is congress feeling ambushed? Does congress perhaps have an inkling that the public–watching the profligate spending of “representatives” who have enacted legislation contrary to their wishes–is feeling ambushed, as well?
For a populace feeling ambushed by a bait-and-switch, ran-as-moderate-governs-as-radical-prince president and his congress, “do you fully support the Obama agenda” is a perfectly relevant question for this election year. I am wondering why the face of the “student” is blocked out, though, and who he is.
I have reached out to Etheridge’s press secretary, hoping for a response to just those questions. If you would like to ask the congressman something similar, his number is (202) 225-4531. His staff is being very polite, so be sweet back; they seem to have been caught off-guard on this.
Instapundit has more links and info on Etheridge’s opponent
Hot Air notes that, as is almost predictable, these days, You Tube had pulled the video, but has since restored it.
Yeah – he comes off as a jerk, but…when in Rome. It will be interesting to follow how this story plays out in the news media. Will it be a big story? Probably not, but apparently being prepared for ambush interviews from eager college kids is the next phase of media training for many on Capitol Hill.
I think I’ll file this one under “Remaking America.” Indeed.
Too hot in the kitchen
I got beat up by my Congressman for asking too many questions, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.
...the teen should file assault complaint.
Where was all the teeth gnashing and moaning when Michael Moore accosted numerous elected officials on the streets of D.C.
Did anyone put him in a choke hold? Did anyone demand to know his name?
Evidently identifying oneself is a legitimate request from a congressman but not from law enforcement if you are actually committing a crime.
Just what stimulus package did that appear in...?
i often feel ambushed by Congress...
What ever happened to, "No Comment" and keep walking or the even the more politically adept, Smile..Shake Hand..."Sorry, I don't have time to give an interview, but call my office anytime..." Isn't that politics 101 stuff.
I wonder what his position is on the Arizona boycott?
As I posted on another thread:
If this student had grabbed the congressman in that manner, is there any doubt he’d be behind bars right now?
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
Pigs.
“Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? I have a right to know.”
I wonder what his position is on the Arizona boycott?
*****
OH - ZING!
She needs to update her blog to comment on her out-of-control opponent;)
He’s 69 years old. Think of the time and place he comes from.
When that kid asked him if he “supported the Obama agenda” in his mind he was also asking him something else, something that would be far more visceral to a North Carolina country boy of his age and it was that which elicited his response.
Obviously,
Etheridge does support Obama’s agenda and tactic of violence!
And who is he to be putting his hands on another person without offense.
Washington, DC, Jun 14 - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) released the following statement on the viral video which appeared on the internet today:
“I have seen the video posted on several blogs. I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved. Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina, I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response. I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.”
Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC-02)
I hope someone confronts him in public and beats him to a pulp.
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