In Case I Ever Become Famous…

[dgriffin]

... which isn't likely.

Or, How to Conduct Yourself in a Press Interview.

Obama advisor Samantha Power recently resigned as the candidate’s foreign policy advisor after a reporter for the Scotsman in the UK quoted her calling Hillary “a monster.” Ms. Power is an attorney and Harvard academic who as a free lance stringer (a reporter -- so you’d think she’d know how to conduct herself in an interview) in the Balkans witnessed the genocide of Bosnian Muslims and began her Pulitzer Prize winning book, “A Problem from Hell.”
Here’s my question: the exact quote was “She is a monster, too -- that is off the record -- she is stooping to anything." So I guess it can’t be “off the record” just by adding that phrase?

[frankcor]

Right Dave. Any agreement requires both parties to agree. <g>

In my limited experience in public life, I was coached by a friend who was a journalist and she said the best practice was to assume that everything I said would be printed on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. A bit megalomanic, I admit, but the advice stead me well. Of course, it never helped me avoid sounding stupid

[Swimmy]

I don't think that's possible, especially after listening to townsend's prepared statement or reading cooper's "articles". You literally have to try to sound stupid.

But you're right, everything is printable, just saying off the record doesn't do it. General Patton learned that the hard way.

I rarely allow the media to bastardize my comments; that's why I usually submit them in writing.

[Disgusted-Daily]

No matter how inappropriate this comment was it was only hurtful because it is true.

We all been called worst and brushed it off. I understand this is allot different for them. Why waste valuable campaign time and money to even entertain such a thing.

I think like any good lawyer at trial she is trying to get Obama to snap or become unprofessional himself. Looks like the game plan is in motion and beginning to work for old Hillary. Hopefully this back fires on her. The two of them are entertaining and making that much easier for McCain.

I can't wait till it is all over! Only God can save us now!

[frankcor]

God has already cast his vote.

[bobbbiez]

Give me a break!!! If calling what's her name (Hillary) a monster is so upsetting then I suggest she drop out of the race now because I'm sure she'll be called much worse if she were elected President (which I doubt) and screwed up.

"Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me." ;D

[dgriffin]

Hey, it's only politics. You can't recognize the moves unless you remember 4th grade.

[dgriffin]

frankcor said:

Right Dave. Any agreement requires both parties to agree. <g>

In my limited experience in public life, I was coached by a friend who was a journalist and she said the best practice was to assume that everything I said would be printed on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. A bit megalomanic, I admit, but the advice stead me well. Of course, it never helped me avoid sounding stupid

That's what I always assumed. Actually, in a job I once held as a press person for a large company, I NEVER said anything off the record. Because of your point, Frank, but also because there should never be any reason to offer anything off the record. Ms. Power's
attempted save by trying to make it "off the record" didn't work.

But I was wondering if there were ever circumstances where it would be honored, except of course, as a pre-condition for an interview, if agreed to in advance.

[frankcor]

Yes, I'm pretty sure that's common. Politicians will often speak "on background but not for attribution" but it has to be set up ahead of time.

[Swimmy]

Probably for on-going police investigations. The officer might ask to be off the record and threaten something if word gets out. But otherwise, "off the record" usually means $$ to the ears of a reporter.