by Kyle Becker
Independent Journal Review
September, 2016
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It had been 275 days since Hillary Clinton had held a press conference. On Monday, that streak was ended by reporters invited to meet Clinton for a “meet and greet” aboard her new private plane.
Aboard the plane, the reporters held a 25-minute Q&A sesh and referred to it as a “press conference.”
Independent Journal Review's Justin Green earlier detailed the soft ball nature of the questioning, including the following questions:
• “Have you missed us?”
• “Are you ready?”
• “What do you think?”
• “How does it feel compared to 2008?”
• “Is it great to have all of us with you?”
• “How was your Labor Day weekend?”
• “Do you have a Labor Day message?”
There were moments at the “press conference” when the questioning took on the appearance of campaign coaching. In particular, there was a question about whether health “conspiracy theories” were “sexist”:
Liz Goodwin ✔ @lizcgoodwin
She also addressed conspiracy theories about her health
3:22 PM - 5 Sep 2016
“Hmmm,” Hillary Clinton replied to the suggestion.
Of course, numerous presidential candidates have had their health questioned before an election, including Ronald Reagan, John McCain, and Donald Trump.
It is also highly ironic that during the very same event, journalists who had discussed “conspiracy theories” about Hillary Clinton's health were witness to a coughing fit.
Awkward.
This “press conference” at times smacked more like a campaign strategy session and less like adversarial questioning of the former Madame Secretary at a time of increasing scrutiny and declining poll numbers. Last week, it was reported by the Washington Post that a record number of Americans now “dislike” Hillary Clinton.
The press doesn't do itself any favors by throwing in its lot with any presidential candidate, but this is especially true regarding especially unpopular ones like Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Nonetheless, reporters aboard Hillary Clinton's plane were called out for their beaming reception of the presidential candidate.
Jason C. @CounterMoonbat
This is from Hillary's plane, and those aren't reporters, they're fans.
2:47 PM - 5 Sep 2016
Let's zoom in on NBC's Andrea Mitchell:
5 Sep
Jason C. @CounterMoonbat
This is from Hillary's plane, and those aren't reporters, they're fans. pic.twitter.com/FPHuLGEzDZ
Jesse Kelly @JesseKellyDC
@CounterMoonbat That's how I look at a meat-lovers pizza pic.twitter.com/W91saabh4h
2:49 PM - 5 Sep 2016
And more reporters:
5 Sep
Jesse Kelly @JesseKellyDC
@CounterMoonbat That's how I look at a meat-lovers pizza pic.twitter.com/W91saabh4h
Eric @Ericb1980
@JesseKellyDC @CuffyMeh @CounterMoonbat "totes ok, we work WITH you!!!" pic.twitter.com/9NKe5XszSf
2:53 PM - 5 Sep 2016
It's one thing to be cordial and courteous at a “meet and greet,” but it's quite another thing to unilaterally declare an end to a presidential candidate's unsightly streak of avoiding “press conferences.” If the press wants to end that streak, then it needs to get Hillary Clinton at a podium and make sure that she's not able to avoid the sniper fire.