After years in the media, I can tell you there are plenty of reporters shaking their heads today as they reluctantly shuffle out the newsroom door to endure covering a tea bag rally. They are wondering how they can make their story stand out. How they can add something no one else has, and not just show the same old same old?
Below the fold, three ways to steal the tea bag spotlight.
- Minnesota-- get going. A tea party is about taxation without representation. Minnesota, you are being taxed same as always, but how many US Senators do you have again? Oh, yeah. Just one. And who's keeping you from full representation? Oh, yeah. A Republican. If anybody deserves teabagging, it's Norm Coleman. And a grateful media looking for a fresh angle will respond. Just be sure there are shots of Liptons on the steps to Coleman's office. Mr. Franken? A cameo?
- Shoot your own video of anemic tea parties-- especially if you happen to live near one being covered by the Fox Suckers. YouTube it, and send a link to MSNBC, the Daily Show, and of course, here. You might be surprised to see your shots of a couple dozen nutjobs standing around juxtaposed with the zoomed in, compression shots shown on that fake network.
- If you encounter a rally, don't be afraid to go up to a crew covering it and ask if they'd be interested in hearing an opposing viewpoint. They will (The Fox Suckers notwithstanding). The problem for most real reporters seeking balance is, their quickest and easiest choice is to grab some uninvolved person walking by to get their take. It's obligatory, but won't add substance. You, on the other hand, will be armed with one or more of the following comments or questions: A) If the Stimulus is costing our children and grandchildren money, how much would another Depression have cost them? B) Where were these people 8 years ago before Bush doubled the debt? C) Are there really this many people making over $200K? Or are those just the backers? D) Obama's top tax is still 10% less than Reagan's. Did they protest Reagan?
Aren't media tugs of war fun?