Dems hit McCain on access
By MIKE ALLEN | 9/17/08 5:57 AM EDT
The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday is launching a “McCain Press Watch” – a counter showing the number of days, minutes and hours since the last news conference by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
Currently, it’s at 34 days and counting.
“John McCain once prided himself on running an open and transparent campaign, saying he could not curb his accessibility to reporters because ‘that destroys credibility,’” the DNC page says. “McCain even promised to hold weekly press conferences if elected. … John McCain hasn't done a media availability with national reporters in more than a month. His last news conference was on August 13 in Birmingham, MI.”
Politico’s Amie Parnes reported on Tuesday: “[W]hen Straight Talk Air departed Tampa today, a dozen reporters chanted,’ Bring Mac back! Bring Mac back!’ … The chanting lasted under a minute as staffers in the business cabin smiled and then promptly closed the curtain between business and coach.”
DNC spokesman Damien LaVera said: “[I]t's easy to see why he doesn't want to be held accountable to the people or to his own promises.”
The DNC is calling attention to the issue by delivering a gift bag of reports and other items to the regulars in the McCain press corps, ostensibly to keep them occupied until the next media availability.
Politico has asked the Republican National Committee and McCain campaign for a response and will add it when it comes.
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