Feinstein criticizes reporter for out-of-bounds question

[Newsjock]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/25/BAGG3R6L805.DTL&tsp=1

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein came roaring to the aid of fellow Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and tongue lashed a radio reporter today for what she said was an inappropriate question during a conference call to announce Feinstein's endorsement of the New York senator's Democratic presidential bid.

Dick Helton, senior political reporter for Los Angeles-based KNX radio, asked Clinton whether she was concerned about the marital troubles of another key backer, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who recently announced he and his wife were divorcing in the wake of news of his affair with a reporter from the Telemundo network.

A bristling Feinstein let it be known the question didn't sit well with her.

"Dick Helton, this is Dianne Feinstein. I'm surprised at you for that question! My goodness,'' the senior California senator fumed, as Clinton was heard chuckling in the background. "Hillary's running for president. She doesn't need to get into this!'"

Helton answered that "with all due respect,'' the issue was significant to many voters.

"I echo my friend Dianne's comments,'' Clinton said.

[BOSSHOG]

1. No doubt wendy vitter would have weighed in on the aspects of someone

else's marriage. Ya know, a conservative value thing. Leave me the fuck alone but your failures are fair game.

[yardwork]

2. Good for her! I'd think that the right-wing would drop this.

Their record isn't too good these days.

[rodeodance]

3. you go gals

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. If they are going to look over every backer

for the Dems and say, "Oh, BOOGY MAN!!!!! He's had an affair!!!" or such like, my only question is WHERE have the reporters been when Republicans IN OFFICE have done things like commit adultery, engage in the sexual abuse of children, and the like?

[gratuitous]

5. Villaraigosa's divorce has . . . what to do with Clinton's campaign?

Diddly/Squat.

But I'm sure that "Bulldog" Helton asks Gov. Schwarzenegger about the marital problems of every Republican, so it's all even, right?

[TheMadMonk]

6. There are no out of bounds questions.

Just ones that their recipient can refuse to answer. The public will decide whether the reasons for refusal are reasonable or not.

[LibDemAlways]

7. Helton didn't get the memo. Reporters aren't supposed to

take the gloves off and start grilling Hillary and her supporters with questions like these until after she becomes the nominee. Until then, they're just supposed to call her "polished" and "well, Presidential."

The scolding he got from Feinstein is nothing compared to the one he's sure to get from his boss.

[Forkboy]

8. Just answer the damn question diplomatically.

Here,try this,

"I feel the marriage troubles of Villaraigosa is a personal matter,just as I felt my own were.I also feel that this has little,in fact nothing,to do with my own campaign,and feel we should stick to the issues instead of delving into the personal family matters of other people."

How hard is that?

Jeez.... :eyes: