Tillerson didn't allow press pool to accompany him to NK border, but he let a RW reporter fly w/him

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Secretary of State Tillerson didn't allow a press pool to accompany him as he confronted North Korea over nuclear weapons.

It's a sharp break with tradition and dumbfounding, in this case, given the trip's major implications - all highlighted by Tillerson's abandonment of diplomacy and the threatening statements he leveled toward the communist regime while there.

Link to tweet

You'd think he might have gotten a clue about the importance and utility of an American press corp traveling alongside of him as he made his historic visit, made his consequential remarks, especially since it fell to foreign media to describe his visit, complete with a report from a SK outlet that Tillerson had become 'fatigued' and was unable to attend dinner with his SK hosts.

Link to tweet

So, Tillerson had the foreign press and this handpicked conservative media source, Erin McPike, a reporter at the conservative news outlet Independent Journal Review, virtually serving as the American public's only window into his activities in North Korea.

The RW journo filed an interview capturing Tillerson completely missing the point of why our press needs to be informed about his statements and actions, especially in matters where our lives and security are at stake.

"I personally don't need it," Tillerson was quoted as saying, speaking with the reporter about media access.

"I understand it's important to get the message of what we're doing out, but I also think there's only a purpose in getting the message out when there's something to be done," he said.



Tillerson addressed the question of media access in terms of whatever utility the press might have for his interest or agenda, not in terms of how that access serves the American public and our right to be informed about the activities of our government.

Link to tweet

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1. »

[NBachers]

2. I'm sorry, this guy isn't a lone citizen on a private visit; he represents the entire United States.

As such, the people of the United States need to be adequately informed of his activities.

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6. it amazes me how crass this WH and minions are toward their mandate to the American people

...just another striking example of their self-interested occupation of our government.

[brooklynite]

3. Um, Tillerson went to SOUTH Korea.

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4. ffs

...that's the reply?

DU.

[HoosierDebbie]

5. The lone "reporter" traveling with Tillerson, who isn't reporting...

Reminds me of the situation with John Edwards' "videographer" traveling with him. Hmmm.

[delisen]

7. Ayn Rand Strikes Again. Tillerson another high school worshipper of Rand

He owes us nothing, because we are nothing ---lesser men, women, and children to whom he cannot possibly be accountable. He cannot be held back by custom, regulation, or even law.

Ayn Rand wrote romance novels for men and her fans live the fantasy.