Scott teaches press corps manners at first press conference
by Dara Kam | January 7th, 2011.
Gov. Rick Scott met with the Capitol press corps for the first time since his swearing-in on Tuesday and before the governor even reached the podium Scott’s spokesman laid out some new rules.
Brian Burgess told reporters that the days of chasing the governor out of his large conference room into the antechamber that leads to his private sanctum are over.
Reporters will remain seated until Scott leaves the room, Burgess instructed.
On the campaign trail and after his election, Scott remarked several times that he was shocked at the chaotic Q-and-A exchange between elected officials and the media.
(When he was confronted by the Capitol press corps for the first time after filing his papers to run this spring, Scott did not know what a press “gaggle” was.)
That’s all over.
The well-heeled Scott, who places a high priority on politeness, wants a more polished atmosphere in his interactions with the press.
“My goal is I want to have a positive working relationship. You have a job to do, report what’s going on.
I just want to make it organized,” he told reporters during a scheduled 15-minute press conference that ran a bit long.
The typically obstinate press corps dutifully followed Burgess’ instructions and remained politely seated while Scott made his exit.
Burgess gave the media “an A++” for being so obedient
Tags: Brian Burgess, Rick Scott
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January 7th, 2011 at 11:21 am
This is good
January 7th, 2011 at 11:34 am
Will the press remind the governor that he is not the King?
Or will they be cowering?
You reporter types, what is it going to be?
January 7th, 2011 at 11:52 am
The dumbing down of society has not been more successful it other circles than it has in the press! The spiked haircuts, the no ties or God forbid Gay pride purple ties and shirts! Whatever it takes to destroy our culture and corrupt its being! Governor Scott will return honesty and decency to the state of Florida! Naturally after four years of somthing like Charlie Crist, Scott will have to start over from the beginning!
January 7th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
LOL who does he think he is? Newflash— “he’s not”
January 7th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Educator.. Please elaborate on what’s so funny.
Here’s some advice… “A wise man will speak in order to say something.. …A fool will speak only to hear himself talk”
We all know which one you are. Please dont breed.
January 7th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Isn’t it refreshing to think that a higher level of respect (politeness) is being modeled by a “newby”, our new Governor who is not an experienced politician…he’s a Statesman instead. Yes, he has a lot to learn about how “politics” works but more than that, he has a lot to teach, both by word and deed.
January 7th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Maybe if the press just acted like adults this would never had been an issue. I mean seriously, gaggle? Who wants to be a part of a gaggle?
January 7th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
How is a thief going to bring honor to the Governorship? How is a liar going to bring credibility to the State.
ANSWER: He won’t. He can’t. Because you can’t trust him as far as you can spit him. He will pillage the state coffers and enrich his friends and family–just like every other politician. They are all corrupt. Why do you think he can’t answer questions about his defrauding the govt? Why do you think he hides from the serious questions?
You all think business people are the answer. As if corporations are doing us the most harm. Rest assured. You ALL will get what you deserve for letting this loser buy the governorship. Woe to you all.
Scott–the snake fraudster: The Governor of Fraud-a
January 7th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Inspiration and example counts, especially for a newly elected governor who lacks political experience. I didn’t vote for him but acknowledge that he won this election fair and square. The main measure of success will be his campaign pledge of getting Floridians back to work. If Floridians are convinced Scott is a leader worth following, everything else will fall into place.
January 7th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Those poor little reporters. God forbid you guys write about anything important. Talking about yourselves must be easier.
January 7th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Anyone else concerned with the word ‘obedient?’
January 7th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
the criminal is ordering the wardens around. who does this guy think he is?
January 7th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Would prefer balanced reporting over politely sitting. Perhaps, the Post Time and it’s feed from the democrat Tampa postings could be more balanced.
That’s what the public is missing.
January 7th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Sid Dinerstein can’t even get republicans elected in his own county and now he wants the state position for his party.
Sid, demonstrate an ability to get repubs elected in PBC. You can’t even garner candidates, let alone guide them to a win.
NO to Sid.
January 7th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
He who would be king.
January 7th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Wonder how long it will be before he violates the gov’t in the sunshine law?
January 7th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
The3 problem with society today that there is a lack of respect for one another, and those in position of authority. Please, when was courtesy and decorm erased from our society. When is the name calling going to stop, and progress begin.
Let us all be humble, and respectfull examples for our children and the world to see.
January 7th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
I think setting his expectation with the press is a good thing. Additionally for those who say Scott is a fraud, look at politics overall. There has been mass issues on cheating, fraud, or call it what you will. In FL we’ve all seen it on the news, papers and from the financials; the cheating, the scandals, the $$ waste. We need someone who will run the state like a business and hold people accountable. Hopefully Rick Scott learned his lesson, Sink also had issues and was caught. Look at the Obama admistration — how many of our top officials didn’t pay their taxes. Let’s give Scott a chance –
January 7th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@JT
Ha you beat me too it. I said the same thing yesterday. Its going to happen, and no manner of obedience in the press is going to prevent them catching him.
I am sure he will do it inadvertently but it is going to happen. A business man is not used to having every conversation and meeting followed by the press and public.
Lets hope Scott brings a new atmosphere to the same old way of politics that favors the politicos over the citizens.
January 8th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
The fourth estate is NOT part of the executive branch. Journalists — responsibly conduct yourselves as YOU see fit and be accountable as ethics would require. Tell the press flack there is a limit to what he can control.