http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-998789.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists discuss why some political candidates try to avoid the media.
An article in American Journalism Review takes Mitt Romney to task for his strategy of conducting few media interviews through much of the campaign (though he has granted more in the past month). The article points out Barack Obama chose in 2008 to avoid questions from Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times.
The panelists believe frontrunners don't want to be tripped up by tough questions. But the panelists say many reporters are simply asking the questions for which the public is seeking answers.
The panelists also believe it's wrong to assume that candidates should know the answer to every single question asked of them. Panelist Bill Knight believes it would be refreshing to hear a candidate say "I don't know the answer but I'll check into it and get back to you." However, panelists Mike Murray and Rich Egger feel such a comment would be taken out of context in campaign ads.