Support Free Republic Folks, Donate Today!
Posted on 01/15/2020 12:45:40 PM PST by jazusamo
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) distanced himself on Wednesday from proposed restrictions on reporters covering the upcoming Senate impeachment trial, calling it a "huge mistake."
"There is an effort to limit the press. ... I'm going to vote against that, if I'm allowed to vote," Kennedy told reporters. "U.S. senators are grown women and grown men. If they don't want to make a comment, they know how to say 'no comment.'"
The Standing Committee of Correspondents said on Tuesday that the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and the Senate Rules Committee are preparing to force new restrictions on press in the Capitol during the trial, including restricting the ability for reporters to talk to senators, something that is normally routine around Capitol Hill.
The committee said they had tried to work with the Rules panel and the sergeant-at-arms, but every suggestion they made was rejected “without an explanation of how the restrictions contribute to safety rather than simply limit coverage of the trial.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), the top Democrat on the Senate Rules Committee and a 2020 presidential candidate, said on Tuesday night that she opposes the restrictions and has made her concerns known to Rules Chairman Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). "No, I don't support it, and I have been in contact with both sides on this issue," she said. "I made it very clear, I talked to Sen. Blunt about this, I think we should have open access for the press."
The Senate isn't expected to hold a formal vote on the press restrictions as part of its process for establishing the impeachment rules. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) did note, however, that Republicans discussed it during a closed-door caucus lunch on Tuesday.
Kennedy added on Wednesday that he does not "support" the proposed restrictions.
"If the media is limited to a specific geographical area so people can avoid them, we're not children. We're grown men and grown women. ...I just think that sends the wrong message," he said.
One of the proposed restrictions would require reporters to stand in press pens on the second floor of the Senate. Reporters would not be allowed to leave the pens to talk to senators.
The Republiclowns are beaming simpletons being led down the primrose path.
The Rats are getting everything they wanted - making this look legitimate, turning it into a big show.
They just keeping pushing and the idiots cave.
Just duplicate the Clinton rules and process.
Everything.
Kennedy has more faith in his colleagues than I do.....
Are all our elected officials clowns?
The press an wait outside in the weather like the rest of the citizenry
Kennedy is a damn smart guy with good common sense. I’m with him.
Obviously, Senator Kennedy lives in fantasy land. Does he not realize the Dems will marshal their media to hound the Repubs, while tossing softball Q's to their masters?
lolol
All to the detriment of the Senators running for the Presidency. By all means, drag this sucker out, leaving only Biden, Buttigieg, and the two billionaires on the campaign trail.
Kennedy, (R-LA), lives for his camera time. It must go with the Kennedy name, no matter the party label.
In this election year, a camera ban would end this worthless “trial” in short order.
On the other hand…
"Never Interfere With an Enemy While He’s in the Process of Destroying Himself”— Possibly inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Remember in November 2020!
MAGA! Now KAGA! (Keep America Great Always!)
Support Free Republic Folks, Donate Today!
They can all watch the proceedings on C-Span.
“They just keeping pushing and the idiots cave.”
They are not going to get 67 votes to convict. That’s a fact. This is all about Pelosi tarnishing Trump so the rats can run on that in 2020.
One of the proposed restrictions would require reporters to stand in press pens on the second floor of the Senate. Reporters would not be allowed to leave the pens to talk to senators.
Surround the pens with alligators and electrified barbed wire and you get my vote.
I'd like to see that as the mantra of Republicans every time a msm reporter assaults them with a microphone and camera jammed in their face.
Don't feed the beast. They aren't asking questions. They're looking for ammunition to use against you.
'I have no comment at this time' is the only response they should give to a reporter.
There’s something to be said for putting many of these supposed journalists in cages. :^)
THIS....Is the right answer.
Don’t send in any more Clowns.
Wrap this baby up asap and move on!
Why do we, GOP have to allow ‘proper decorum’ to trip us up, when the Dems ran rough-shod over ‘acceptable protocol’.
They’re using one of those Saul Alinski rules on us again.
Every public dispute becomes another “Kavanaugh Inquisition”.
No! I hope The Turtle does not play along so as to ‘impress’ the Dems with how nice we are. They will never be impressed.
Anything that makes the Senators want to end the trial quickly is a good thing. Keeping them from the press and their phones is great. It also keeps the Democrats running for president in time out for a couple weeks. Win-Win!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.