Op-Ed by Otis Lewis –
I would like to report an alarming scene. The “silly me” reporter John Skipper from the Globe Gazette, was at Hy-Vee last week covering congressional candidate Christie Vilsack’s campaign stop talking to about 15 supporters. I find it alarming to think that our local media appear to purposely mislead the public.
Two things really stand out that is telling and alarming. Both destroy trust and credibility!
Mr. Skipper wrote a news story for Mrs. Vilsack and appears to have upped the number of people present. He said about 30 and I think 15 would me a closer count. I believe he embellished the number present to make the Democratic candidate, Mrs. Vilsack to appear more popular then she really is. I think reporters should strive to be more honest. The silly me reporter needs to learn to be more accurate when he is reporting or just acknowledge up front he is writing a fable.
Evan more alarming was Mr. Skipper’s behavior at the end of Mrs. Vilsack’s campaign speech. He “enthusiastically” applauded Mrs. Vilsack when she finished her speech. I have observed Mr. Skipper on numerous occasions covering other political speeches and saw no applause at all. I don’t have a problem with the reporter applauding but at this particular event, he looked like he was “over the top” with his applause. It was obvious he was there more as a Democrat, than an employee of the Globe Gazette.
I find this kind of work ethic in the news media reprehensible. Why does the Publisher let this go on? If he doesn’t know, he does now!
I have caught skipper in so many lies when it comes to telling his stories. I have been in many of the same places he has and man we aren’t even close when it comes to telling the same story. I love how he makes it sound good for the side he is on.
Interesting math, Otis. I was in the row in front of the back row and there were at least 14 people in my row and the one behind me. I didn’t know all of the people in rows in front of me, but there had to be very close to 30 in the room. Maybe you left early. People kept coming in. Also, it was a press conference, not an open forum. I’m ok with the press persons applauding speakers who are intelligent and speak the truth. Quite a refreshing change from listening to King.
You sound pretty biased and another Democrat embellishing his information!
member of the media stretching the truth? Silly me.
Great viewpoint mr lewis, you may rival pete children if you keep this up! Thanks for being the only real witness to this event who told the truth.
Mr. Skipper, accurate when he is reporting, Globe Gazette
how can you even use those three things in the same book?
we already know skipper is as about as fair and accurate in his stories ( and i don’t mean story in a good way)
we know he likes to tell stories, as in fables
I’V ONLY GOT ONE THING TO SAY, WELL MABE TWO.. WAKE UP TAXPAYERS ONE VILSACK IN THE PUBLIC FEEDING TROUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!
is the 15 including the media?