Scarborough On McCain Campaign’s War Against The Media: ‘I Think They’re Making A Mistake'

[cal04]

In her speech on Wednesday night, Sarah Palin attacked journalists for scrutinizing her record. “I’ve learned quickly, these past few days, that if you’re not a member in good standing of the Washington elite,” she said, “then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.”

During an interview with ThinkProgress in St. Paul yesterday, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough told us, “The McCain campaign has made a very calculated decision they’re going to run against the press. Personally, I don’t think it works.” He continued:

Attacking the press for conservatives, for Republicans, it always provides a sugar high. It excites the base. It is never ever worth the pay off. … Don’t engage in a war. I think McCain’s campaign is making a mistake. Because that never pays off in the end.

But, they’ve adopted that strategy. Make no mistake of it. They’ve adopted the strategy publicly, privately. They’re fighting behind the scenes. And we’ll see — maybe it works this year. I don’t think so though.

The McCain campaign recently said journalists are creating a “faux media scandal designed to destroy the first female Republican nominee.” In a jeering and sarcastic column this past week, Politico’s Roger Simon wrote, “On behalf of the elite media, I would like to say we are very sorry” for asking basic questions about Palin’s record.

Scarborough said he’s always had a better relationship with the Obama campaign than with the McCain campaign. He added, “The Bush White House — not a big friend of mine. I think they stopped talking to me after Hurricane Katrina.” Watch it:

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/05/scarborough-interview/

[gateley]

1. And I hope they report the hell out of Palin not giving interviews or taking

questions. And comment.

[Cha]

2. Which begs the question.. IF

mccainites have nothing to hide ..why take on the press when they've been so bloody good to ya?!!

[ErinBerin84]

3. Joe is a doofus

but he was saying the same thing this morning when I turned it on. Of course, Mika disagreed and said "No, it's a whole new ball game now that a WOMAN is in the race! And a lot of the media...I include the internet in the media (of course you would have to , Mika) has been unfair! She's a mom! blah blah blah blah " Joe Scarborough was also asking "did you fall asleep during the McCain speech" to a couple of people. Still a doofus, but Mika is becoming an even bigger doofus if that's possible.

[Cha]

5. I have no respect for that

pundithead who thinks her shit don't stink.

[Muttocracy]

4. start of video talks about Palin not have foreign policy cred too

[skooooo]

6. thanks! nt

[Bobbie Jo]

7. Meanwhile...Pay no attention to the unexciting old guy who resembles Bush.

Take him out, and she is no longer relevant.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

8. The press will grow some balls. A lot, if not most believe in their roles as the truthtellers.

Once a few start to stand up, it will snowball quickly...McCaribouBarbie is playing with fire. I think he gets burned and burned badly.

[ErinBerin84]

9. oh god...lol

at the end of the interview "That being said, she has a remarkable resume." Uh, remarkable is one word, Joe.



I think it is important that a few people- Joe Klein, Jay Carney, Roger Simon...are slightly calling the McCain out. Not sure if that will have a bigger influence, but the little nuggets are still appreciated.

[Major Hogwash]

10. McCain and his advisors have Nixonian attitudes about the press.

Some of the worst quotes in history about the press come from Spiro Agnew.

[skooooo]

11. Even Nixon wasn't this bad re: the press, was he?

:shrug:

[Borgnine]

12. I must have been away for awhile.

Since when has Joe been more than a poor man's Hannity? He's actually been one of the sane members of MSNBC during the convention season, which surprised the hell out of me..