Press Gallery Grumbling Again

[shoop]

Who among the electorate really cares about Harper's relations with the press gallery? Those of us on the board (and boards like this) surely do, but we alll appear to be among the very small minority of Canadians who follow politics very closely. Media people do. Does anybody else?

Will Harper's testy relations with the media have a major influence on the way people vote? I don't think so. If Harper deals with this the way he has dealt with everything else since the election he will stay the course. He realized that in spite of tremendous personal appeal people did not like Paul Martin's dithering. He has gone out of his way to avoid any appearnces of lack of confidence in his opinions and I am sure that he will continue to do so. It appears to be the surest way to win the ultimate prize ... a majority government.

As the article says, "Prime Minister Stephen Harper has good reason not to trust the Eastern-based Lib-Left dominated media." He is at some point going to have to give them a bit more, but when he's ready I guess.

[Hicksey]

A prime minister has an obligation to communicate to Canadians, and the way we do that in this country is through the press. He can run on transparency and accountability and then shut the door when he gets elected, but we'll see whether that strategy works for him. My guess is it backfires horribly come the next election.

Unless he has something new or of compelling interest to say all he's doing is wasting taxpyer time and money. I'd rather see the press' collective panties in a knot than to have him up there answering questions all day long. I think the leader of a country has more important things to do.

[shoop]

Why is the press protecting Julie Van Dusen?

If any member of the public, another political or a civil servant started into it with the PM you can be that they would have been named.

Ibbitson referred to here as a "CBC reporter", but that's as close as anybody came to actually naming here.

Why does the press deserve protection they don't believe politicians deserve?

Unless he has something new or of compelling interest to say all he's doing is wasting taxpyer time and money. I'd rather see the press' collective panties in a knot than to have him up there answering questions all day long. I think the leader of a country has more important things to do.

[betsy]

Ahhh, there is the rub.

He is using the press. The National Press Gallery is just upset that he is choosing to use local media instead of them. Why exactly would that create a backlash?

A prime minister has an obligation to communicate to Canadians, and the way we do that in this country is through the press. He can run on transparency and accountability and then shut the door when he gets elected, but we'll see whether that strategy works for him. My guess is it backfires horribly come the next election.

The almighty press gallery feels entitled to the royal treatment. I bet since it's well-known that Harper is not a favorite of the privileged press gallery, they have this attitude and haughty expectation that Harper will "suck-up" and try to win them over.

Who would've thought that Harper is not of the same jello mold the Liberals are made of?

[betsy]

A prime minister has an obligation to communicate to Canadians, and the way we do that in this country is through the press. He can run on transparency and accountability and then shut the door when he gets elected, but we'll see whether that strategy works for him. My guess is it backfires horribly come the next election.

Unless he has something new or of compelling interest to say all he's doing is wasting taxpyer time and money. I'd rather see the press' collective panties in a knot than to have him up there answering questions all day long. I think the leader of a country has more important things to do.

I agree. And a lot shares the same sentiment, Hicksey.

"CFRA radio morning man Steve Madely noted that a lot of his listeners have sent him emails complaining that the reporters are expecting too much from the Prime Minister. On the air last week, Mr. Madely said many listeners were upset with reporters for not realizing that Mr. Harper has more important things to do rather than be constantly available to answer questions.

The Prime Minister stressed that point to reporters last week when asked about his lack of availability, when CBC TV Hill reporter Julie Van Dusen asked him bluntly about his lack of access.

"I will be available whenever I have something to announce," Mr. Harper said flatly."

http://www.thehilltimes.ca/html/index.php?...ary/27/pmo/&c=1

[Argus]

What a coincidence. I turn on my TV, and there's our prime minister, in a sit down interview with one of the local news stations discussing everything from the cost of stronger sentencing to how it feels to have his weight commented on. Seemed pretty open to me.

Nothing says you can't bypass the arrogant national press and talk about things with smaller, regional news people instead.

[Hicksey]

What a coincidence. I turn on my TV, and there's our prime minister, in a sit down interview with one of the local news stations discussing everything from the cost of stronger sentencing to how it feels to have his weight commented on. Seemed pretty open to me.

Nothing says you can't bypass the arrogant national press and talk about things with smaller, regional news people instead.

Harper doesn't play fast and loose with his and his party's reputation. And like him, I'd rather be known for not talking enough than opening my mouth and saying something stupid. Secretive is a lot better than inept. Neither is ideal, and a good balance is better, but given the media's talent for exposing a single zealot and painting the whole party with the same brush I can hardly blame him for taking the road he has.

[betsy]

What a coincidence. I turn on my TV, and there's our prime minister, in a sit down interview with one of the local news stations discussing everything from the cost of stronger sentencing to how it feels to have his weight commented on. Seemed pretty open to me.

Kinda makes the self-entitled press gallery look like a bunch of spoiled whining brats.

Good! They need to be put in their places.

[scribblet]

What a coincidence. I turn on my TV, and there's our prime minister, in a sit down interview with one of the local news stations discussing everything from the cost of stronger sentencing to how it feels to have his weight commented on. Seemed pretty open to me.

Kinda makes the self-entitled press gallery look like a bunch of spoiled whining brats.

Good! They need to be put in their places.

The sound of two hands clapping (need more emoticons)

[Nocrap]

I heard the story about the press conference Harper walked out of.

Julie Van Dusen stood at the front of the line and was attacking Harper. There is a fine line between tough-nosed journalism and attacks. Van Dusen is notorious for having no idea where the line is.

Harper is the Prime Minister of Canada. He deserves to be treated with respect. If Van Dusen can't deal with that ... then I guess it is going to be war.

How long will the Press Gallery rally around Van Dusen?

Since he maintains this 'cloak and dagger' approach to politics, he leaves himself open to media scrutiny. If he won't give them a believable stroy (and not just Hill & knowlton sound bites), they have to report something. If that means attacking his ponch or his attire, than so be it. Canadians elected the CPC to office and want to know how and what they are doing.

I hope they pick away at him until he once again makes government transparent; allows MP's elected to speak for us, speak; and prove that he can handle a little criticism -a must for anyone in political office.

How long will the Press Gallery rally around Van Dusen?

My guess is as long as Harper refuses to treat the media with repect. With a minority government I would try to get them on my side; not alienate them.

I saw a bit of the press conference and she had him in knots. Like I said before, his gagging of his MP's and disrespect for the media, is going to come back to bite him in the butt.

[scribblet]

Twist it how you like, but Harper seems to be containing the negative press, with good reason.

http://www.freedominion.ca/phpBB2/viewtopi...p=687423#687423

There's an excellent post on here from a very well reasoned person, he says it well.

The ‘war’ declared by the media on the Harper government is foolish. Media scribes want access to every facet of government without the drudgery of having to sort through government documents to see what is going on.

Considering the Harper and his Cabinet Ministers were sworn in February 6th, and that Parliament resumed April 3rd, there is little Conservative government documentation to review and the media scribes know it.

The media is determined to turn our attention to the myriad of problems the Liberals could not or would not resolve while they were in power. The game is to confront a Conservative Minister, (any Minister will do) and demand his or her solution to problems the Liberals left on the table when they lost the last election. The idea is to scatter Conservative forces and not allow Harper and his colleagues to focus on their priorities and election promises.

Harper and his Ministers are having none of it.

-snip-

Harper and the conservatives serve us well by evading the media gamesmanship in favour of sticking to a plan for sound governance..

[Argus]

How long will the Press Gallery rally around Van Dusen?

My guess is as long as Harper refuses to treat the media with repect. With a minority government I would try to get them on my side; not alienate them.

I saw a bit of the press conference and she had him in knots. Like I said before, his gagging of his MP's and disrespect for the media, is going to come back to bite him in the butt.

Her job is not to "have him in knots". If Harper is ignoring the national press and going more to local and regional media it's because the latter tend to lack the kind of ideological motivation for their stories the national media lives for. The regional media will just ask questions, wanting a good, solid interview. National reporters will be trying to get something nasty, something quotable that will make the headlines and embarrass the government.

Here's a question. If Harper is doing one on one interviews - which he apparently is - how long before Julie Van Dusen gets one?

Here's a second question. If you're a news editor seeing rival stations and networks getting direct access to the PM and cabinet for interviews while your reporters are shut out because of their obvious political slants, how long before you dump those political reporters and hire someone more neutral?

[Nocrap]

How long will the Press Gallery rally around Van Dusen?

My guess is as long as Harper refuses to treat the media with repect. With a minority government I would try to get them on my side; not alienate them.

I saw a bit of the press conference and she had him in knots. Like I said before, his gagging of his MP's and disrespect for the media, is going to come back to bite him in the butt.

Her job is not to "have him in knots". If Harper is ignoring the national press and going more to local and regional media it's because the latter tend to lack the kind of ideological motivation for their stories the national media lives for. The regional media will just ask questions, wanting a good, solid interview. National reporters will be trying to get something nasty, something quotable that will make the headlines and embarrass the government.

Here's a question. If Harper is doing one on one interviews - which he apparently is - how long before Julie Van Dusen gets one?

Here's a second question. If you're a news editor seeing rival stations and networks getting direct access to the PM and cabinet for interviews while your reporters are shut out because of their obvious political slants, how long before you dump those political reporters and hire someone more neutral?

Sorry, but I still feel that Canadians should be concerned with his manipulation of the media. You will get a story as long as you spin it in his direction but heaven forbid you should 'report' any wrong doing.

CTV OTTAWA -- Security on Parliament Hill barred reporters from attending a pair of Stephen Harper photo opportunities Monday as the Prime Ministers Office flexed its media messaging muscles.

The made-for-TV confrontation between security and reporters outside Harper's office door graphically illustrated the deteriorating relations between a PMO seeking total message control and news media defending their hard-won access.

It's a battle that may be beginning to resonate beyond the cozy precincts of the Peace Tower as the Conservatives threaten to hold secret cabinet meetings and withhold information about visiting heads of state.

"Harper ran on a campaign of open and accountable government,'' New Democrat MP Charlie Angus said Monday.

"And the first thing we see him doing is putting plywood up over all his windows and barring access to the doors. My question is, why? What is Harper afraid of?''

CBC CBC - "PM may hold cabinet meetings in secret," declares a headline on a National Post story, the latest bulletin in Stephen Harper’s war against the media.

Our prime minister has always disliked the media. Especially in his Reform party days."

This is a very good story because it shows how the media helped him during the election, only to have him turn around and bar them from future stories.

The battle lines are drawn and he will not win this war. Next election will find him with no allies in the press.

[scribblet]

How long will the Press Gallery rally around Van Dusen?

My guess is as long as Harper refuses to treat the media with repect. With a minority government I would try to get them on my side; not alienate them.

I saw a bit of the press conference and she had him in knots. Like I said before, his gagging of his MP's and disrespect for the media, is going to come back to bite him in the butt.

Her job is not to "have him in knots". If Harper is ignoring the national press and going more to local and regional media it's because the latter tend to lack the kind of ideological motivation for their stories the national media lives for. The regional media will just ask questions, wanting a good, solid interview. National reporters will be trying to get something nasty, something quotable that will make the headlines and embarrass the government.

Here's a question. If Harper is doing one on one interviews - which he apparently is - how long before Julie Van Dusen gets one?

Here's a second question. If you're a news editor seeing rival stations and networks getting direct access to the PM and cabinet for interviews while your reporters are shut out because of their obvious political slants, how long before you dump those political reporters and hire someone more neutral?

We are providing Canadians with a steady intelligent hand on the tiller staying the course, which is what Canada needs and wants right now. We mightl reach 50% soon., Now we need Preston to become Premier of Alberta.

[Argus]

Her job is not to "have him in knots". If Harper is ignoring the national press and going more to local and regional media it's because the latter tend to lack the kind of ideological motivation for their stories the national media lives for. The regional media will just ask questions, wanting a good, solid interview. National reporters will be trying to get something nasty, something quotable that will make the headlines and embarrass the government.

Here's a question. If Harper is doing one on one interviews - which he apparently is - how long before Julie Van Dusen gets one?

Here's a second question. If you're a news editor seeing rival stations and networks getting direct access to the PM and cabinet for interviews while your reporters are shut out because of their obvious political slants, how long before you dump those political reporters and hire someone more neutral?

Sorry, but I still feel that Canadians should be concerned with his manipulation of the media. You will get a story as long as you spin it in his direction but heaven forbid you should 'report' any wrong doing.

The interviews and bits of interviews I've seen haven't been puff pieces. They've been straightforward questions about government policy. The puff pieces were the ones the press gallery always ran when interviewing Chretien, Martin and their cabinets. Something which never bothered you. The rule between the Liberals and the Press Gallery over the last thirteen years has always been I-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine. Reporters didn't dig for information, didn't try to lead cabinet ministers into saying things that would get them into trouble, ignored minor wrongdoing, and were given access to ministers, bureacrats, and parties. They were fat, lazy, and perfectly content.

But over that time many have been identified, by others on the hill, as associates, if not allies of the Liberal party. Their dislike, sometimes intense dislike, of the Reform, Alliance, and Conservatives was so virulent and they put so little effort in hiding it that everyone in the business knew it. The Tories are rewarding that kind of unprofessionalism and bias exactly as it should be rewarded.

And they'll have a hard time, the media and their left wing allies, in making a case about how out of reach Harper is when he's appearing in interviews on everyone's local news stations, as I'm sure he is, to talk about government policy in a straightforward way.

[August1991]

The rule between the Liberals and the Press Gallery over the last thirteen years has always been I-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine. Reporters didn't dig for information, didn't try to lead cabinet ministers into saying things that would get them into trouble, ignored minor wrongdoing, and were given access to ministers, bureacrats, and parties. They were fat, lazy, and perfectly content.

Argus, you failed to mention that when they were tired of being journalists, the Liberals would find them some comfy fur somewhere in the bureaucracy, up to and including the lifetime paycheque of Governor-General.

Harper knows that English-Canada's bigwig media is a paper tiger, concentrated in Toronto and largely out of touch with what ordinary people and quite incapable of changing.

This is an old story, that successful politicians always knew, and the Internet has just exacerbated the MSM's irrelevance.

[shoop]

It is kinda sad that certified Harper-haters like Nocrap have to post three week old stories in an effort to keep alive this dead issue.

Harper is running a tighter ship. That means the media will have to learn to function differently. He is getting the word out, but the National Press Gallery is upset with the way he is going about doing it.

Won't make any difference to the electorate.

The only people that would be upset about the issue would never ever vote Conservative anyways.

[betsy]

Polls were discussed on MDuffy today.

36% says Harper is doing a good job.

37% says Harper is doing an average job.

Whatever it is that Harper's been doing, it is meeting approval.

[BubberMiley]

Polls were discussed on MDuffy today.

36% says Harper is doing a good job.

37% says Harper is doing an average job.

Whatever it is that Harper's been doing, it is meeting approval.

I don't think this approval rating in the honeymoon period of his government is anything to crow about. In February 2001, after the most divisive election campaign in history and before 9/11 when his approval skyrocketed, Bush had 64% of the U.S. saying they approved of the job he's doing. Harper should be running in the high 80s based on good will alone. Even I wouldn't say I particularly disapprove of his performance. He hasn't had a chance to do anything yet.

[shoop]

Where did you pull that figure out of?

I don't think this approval rating in the honeymoon period of his government is anything to crow about. In February 2001, after the most divisive election campaign in history and before 9/11 when his approval skyrocketed, Bush had 64% of the U.S. saying they approved of the job he's doing. Harper should be running in the high 80s based on good will alone. Even I wouldn't say I particularly disapprove of his performance. He hasn't had a chance to do anything yet.

[August1991]

Huh?

The prime minister's national approval rating has also increased -- eight percentage points to 62 per cent -- following his surprise trip to Afghanistan March 12 and 13 to visit Canadian troops.

Link

Don't confuse approval and vote intentions.

[Hicksey]

It is kinda sad that certified Harper-haters like Nocrap have to post three week old stories in an effort to keep alive this dead issue.

Harper is running a tighter ship. That means the media will have to learn to function differently. He is getting the word out, but the National Press Gallery is upset with the way he is going about doing it.

Won't make any difference to the electorate.

The only people that would be upset about the issue would never ever vote Conservative anyways.

Doesn't that just say everything we need to know about those making the noise and the people who are upset that Harper's running a government instead of a never-ending press conference? Why should he make himself available when he's got no new information to divulge? I see no reason he should make himself available for fishing expeditions at the whim of the media.

AGAIN?

Is it not a waste of time and money to have him talking about the same things over and over because there's nothing new to say and because the members of the press corps have nothing better to do? Or is there a diabolical plan being unfolded with the major press to keep him so busy with them that he'd have no time left to do his job? Since Martin gave them no ammo with which to take this tyrant down, they figure they'll have to try on their own? Why else could they spend so much time whining, talking and writing about nothing? This is Seinfeld all over again. The major press corps is printing a bunch of whimpering stories about nothing.

[Nocrap]

It is kinda sad that certified Harper-haters like Nocrap have to post three week old stories in an effort to keep alive this dead issue.

Harper is running a tighter ship. That means the media will have to learn to function differently. He is getting the word out, but the National Press Gallery is upset with the way he is going about doing it.

Won't make any difference to the electorate.

The only people that would be upset about the issue would never ever vote Conservative anyways.

Doesn't that just say everything we need to know about those making the noise and the people who are upset that Harper's running a government instead of a never-ending press conference? Why should he make himself available when he's got no new information to divulge? I see no reason he should make himself available for fishing expeditions at the whim of the media.

AGAIN?

Is it not a waste of time and money to have him talking about the same things over and over because there's nothing new to say and because the members of the press corps have nothing better to do? Or is there a diabolical plan being unfolded with the major press to keep him so busy with them that he'd have no time left to do his job? Since Martin gave them no ammo with which to take this tyrant down, they figure they'll have to try on their own? Why else could they spend so much time whining, talking and writing about nothing? This is Seinfeld all over again. The major press corps is printing a bunch of whimpering stories about nothing.

Don't confuse approval and vote intentions.

I was accused of using 3 week old articles, and this one is from March 25; before the media picked up on the fact that the Afghanistan trip was nothing more than a photo-op and his speech a rehashed Bush offering.

Vote intentions are still running only about 1/3; very low considering that the Liberals don't even have a leader.

This is the time for Harper to work with the media because when the Liberals do have a leader you can be sure they will be in their court.

[shoop]

Hmmmm, I wouldn't be so sure about that. If this "death of the Liberal Party of Canada" story picks up some stem than the new leader could be in for a rough, rough ride.

This is the time for Harper to work with the media because when the Liberals do have a leader you can be sure they will be in their court.

[geoffrey]

I was accused of using 3 week old articles, and this one is from March 25; before the media picked up on the fact that the Afghanistan trip was nothing more than a photo-op and his speech a rehashed Bush offering.

Vote intentions are still running only about 1/3; very low considering that the Liberals don't even have a leader.

This is the time for Harper to work with the media because when the Liberals do have a leader you can be sure they will be in their court.

The Liberal Party's greatest weakness has been their leaders.