The Washington Times is reporting Tuesday that Christine Blasey Ford’s lawyers are attempting to dictate exactly how her testimony will be covered, right down to the number of cameras and which press agencies will be allowed to take pictures.
Stephen Dinan and Rowan Scarborough report:
Michael Bromwich said in emails sent Tuesday afternoon that he was requesting access for three “robocams,” three specific wire services, photographers from the Associated Press, Reuters and one unspecified service, and a pool reporter for newspapers and magazines. In a follow-up email he specified that the robocams should be operated by “the CSPAN TV pool,” and said he also wanted space for a radio reporter.
…
While committees sometimes limit press based on space at hearings, and some witnesses have arranged to have their identities shielded, longtime Capitol Hill watchers struggled to think of precedent for a witness dictating terms of press coverage.
Are we the only ones who think it’s ridiculous that one accuser with precious little evidence is dictating a seemingly endless list of conditions that must be met for her to appear?
Blasey Ford asks Senate to limit press access for hearing to specific, handpicked outlets. https://t.co/fOi1sZHv6e
— Phil Kerpen (@kerpen) September 26, 2018
What was that catchphrase? This is not normal?
— Phil Kerpen (@kerpen) September 26, 2018
This is TOTALLY normal. ? https://t.co/6q5YfZFTat
— Ken Gardner (@KenGardner11) September 26, 2018
Unreal.
Since when do witnesses control who may cover a hearing?
— ~~~~ Cody Penn-Dent ~~~~ (@codypd) September 26, 2018
Never. But when their lawyer is a former Bill Clinton White House attorney adviser, nothing should shock us in terms of outrageousness.
— Benedict Gomez (@BenedictGomez) September 26, 2018
End this now. Vote tomorrow. What a Clown Show.
— Chris Tsotsoros (@ctsotsoros) September 26, 2018
Seriously. Kick this shit to the curb and hold the damn vote.
— Brad Wuhs (@bradwuhs) September 26, 2018
She doesn't want to be there. I doubt she will go through with this. Under oath that is.
— Charles Lenn (@charleslenn) September 26, 2018
Oh hell no
— Donna Rahall (@dlrahall) September 26, 2018
As I've been predicting ALL week, she's going to cancel because Democrats do NOT want her to testify, then they'll blame GOP for "bullying". They're adding more & more demands in an effort to FORCE the GOP to say no, then they'll cancel & blame GOP.
— Benedict Gomez (@BenedictGomez) September 26, 2018
— Bicsanich (@CsanBoySmith) September 26, 2018
Tell them that they do not dictate the rules. The hearing is scheduled, either show up or shut up.
— Danny Anderson (@danander11) September 26, 2018
cc: @ChuckGrassley
— Its a dogs life ?? ? energy (@seniordogzrule) September 26, 2018
I expect every news outlet to cry foul and ask why Ms Ford is attacking the press and trying to sidestep the 1st Amendment.
— A Columbian Patriot (@jabhome) September 26, 2018
Good one.
Related:
Lawyer for Christine Blasey Ford sets conditions, wants Brett Kavanaugh, the accused, to testify FIRST https://t.co/gFaj9L1Mnp
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) September 21, 2018
