My sole objective is to book guests for TYT's convention coverage, as well as build relationships with other members of the press. I assumed my task would be easy. But assumptions could be seriously problematic.
In fact, the first day at the RNC proved to be disappointing. A team of people known as "Radio Row" are in charge of coordinating guests with individual news shows. At the Democratic National Convention, Radio Row consisted of people who actually work for Democrats in Congress. I had so many Democratic guests offered to me at the DNC that I literally didn't know what to do with them. There were too many people and not enough show time. However, the RNC's Radio Row has gone out of its way to discourage Republicans in coming on the show.
One particular instance still lingers in the back of my mind, and maybe it's time to vent about it:
On the opening day of the RNC, TYT's host Cenk Uygur pointed to a man by the name of Grover Norquist. Norquist happens to be a Republican anti-tax lobbyist, and President of Americans for Tax Reform. Cenk's orders were simple enough:
"Ana, go get him on the show."
Norquist was doing another radio interview with The Talk Radio News Service at the time, but I watched him like a hawk to catch him as soon as he finished. About thirty minutes later he finished, and I approached him with a welcoming smile. He saw me coming, and politely smiled back. In the back of my mind, I thought he was mine for the taking. I was almost overjoyed.
Standing next to Norquist was Scott Hogensen who works for the RNC's Radio Row. Earlier, Hogensen had no problem breathing down my neck to tell me how "nice" my green dress was. I didn't see him as much of a threat, and proceeded to talk to Norquist.
I introduced myself as the producer and guest booker for a political show on XM Satellite Radio. Hogensen immediately interjected and asked which show I was talking about. I responded and said, "The Young Turks."
As soon as the name of the show came out of my mouth, Hogensen self-righteously let me know he was "familiar with my product." Although he made it ridiculously obvious that he was a Conservative who was NOT a fan of the show, I laughed it off and told him I was happy he had heard of us. I turned back to Norquist and asked him if he would like to interview with TYT.
Norquist seemed interested. He nodded his head and said that he would be available all week, but not that day.
Hogensen then turned to Norquist and said, "I would like to COUNSEL you on that before you decide to go on the show."
After Hogensen reared his ugly head into our conversation, Norquist's interest in coming on the show quickly dissolved and the meeting quickly ended.
So far, the fine people of the RNC's Radio Row have failed to provide ANY Republican guests for The Young Turks. They avoid us like the plague. I've had to chase people down and ask them to come on the show myself. In fact, they advise Republicans NOT come on the show, and this all brings up an extremely interesting issue...
The Young Turks are obviously at the RNC to get the Republican point of view. The host is not going to yell at them, but he isn't going to ask easy questions either. That is precisely what Republicans are afraid of. Why are Republicans so afraid to come on a progressive show and stand their ground? Wouldn't they love the chance to argue their strong opinions and positions on a radio show? Saying you believe something is one thing, but defending your opinions with a reasonable argument is another.
Members of the Right don't have to like the show, or even listen to it. But they should have the courage to at least come on and be ready for the tough questions. They shouldn't RUN away from progressive media, because that makes them look like cowards. But I guess that's really not unknown information. I just had a little faith left for them. But that faith was crushed at this convention.
posted by AnaKasparian 
