Media Not Allowed to Video 6th District GOP Convention

[Avidor]

Lawrence Schumacher on his Saint Cloud Times Blog

6th Congressional District GOP Chairman Mark Swanson informed me after I arrived that there will be no video or audio recording allowed in the convention hall during the convention.

I had intended to videotape the convention and its speeches and put together a video for the Web, and had brought the Times' video camera gear for that purpose.

Despite the fact that the building is publicly owned, it is being used for a private event, by a private party, the Republican Party of Minnesota, and therefore they are allowed to set the groundrules for coverage, Swanson said.

"We've just had too many issues with videotape of Congresswoman Bachmann on the Internet with funny music playing, and chopped up to make her look foolish," he said.

I have complied with his orders, and will instead attempt to liveblog the speeches as best as I can.

Pawlenty on Bachmann:

"I'm glad we're here today in Bachmann Country,"

"Michele Bachmann has a strong, consistent message and that's why people respond so well to it and that's why you're going to send her back to Congress."

Norm Coleman on Bachmann:

I hope you understand what an extraordinary member of Congress she (Bachmann) is and how extraordinary her vision is. I am blessed to work with her.

Bachmann on Bachmann:

"Sometimes you get a feeling that's so despondent. But I'm not here as Debbie Downer today. I'm here as Debbie Hopeful today.

Tom Emmer on Bachmann:

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, delivers intro speech for Bachmann.

"This comes directly from the heart. In a world in which true conservative values, the values upon which our country was created and upon which our country has thrived, and which are now under attack from the left side, it takes special people ... to have the courage to put themselves out and their family out in the public eye.

"We have good fortune of having person represent us, who may be diminutive in character, but who speaks with a loud voice for us in Washington D.C.

"Did I make a mistake? (crowd yells, "Stature, not character!"). "Well, I assure you, it was not a freudian slip. She has great character."

Hurries to end and intros Bachmann.

[PleaseSayItAintSo]

1. Thanks Avidor

I think Emmer had it right the first time.

Being at the CD-06 Repug convention must have been like being forced to watch Fox Noise. Thanks again for your efforts.

[Minnesota Raindog]

2. Oops! Pathetic blogger Mitch Berg has egg on his face

Check out this loser's latest column:

http://www.looktruenorth.com/culture/new-media-blogs/58-new-media-blogs/2489-whos-afraid-of-the-big-bad-media-democrats-are.html

6th CD Republicans ban the media from tape recording or video recording, but wingnut Mitch Berg bleats: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Media? Democrats Are!

It would be funny if it weren't so sad that these people actually believe what they say.

[Avidor]

3. Video Ban Noted by Tim Budig

From the ECM web site

"Sixth District Republican officials, in an unusual move, prohibited reporters from using tape recorders or video cameras within the convention. Note taking and still photography was allowed."

( H/T) Dump Bachmann

[CatholicEdHead]

4. Those may not be allowed next year if this keeps up

[Pierre.Suave]

5. What I want to know is...

When will she be there as Debbie doing St Cloud?

"Bachmann on Bachmann:

"Sometimes you get a feeling that's so despondent. But I'm not here as Debbie Downer today. I'm here as Debbie Hopeful today."

[Eric J in MN]

6. Bush-type secrecy extending into Minnesota. NT

NT

[Minnesota Raindog]

7. Minnesota Public Radio also prohibited from recording

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2008/04/the_daily_diges_392.shtml

2008 Race for Congress

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann gets endorsed. ECM and the St. Cloud Times have stories. Michele Bachmann's campaign did not allow MPR (or other broadcast outlets) to record the event because they "don't like how audio and video has been edited and and posted on sites like YouTube in the past so we now prohibit media taping."

[CatholicEdHead]

8. Also, they probably have something against MPR's presentation

not to their liking. Their way or the highway I guess. MPR's strength is asking the tough questions and have a broad presentation.

[CatholicEdHead]

9. More on the 6CD from the Wright County Republican newspaper

It sounds really chilly up there.

http://wrightrepublican.blogspot.com/2008/04/6th-cd-convention-redux-chilly-with.html

[dflprincess]

10. Typical Republicans

changing the rules after the votes are counted.