Stop Pressing the Press

Senator Murkowski has a tantrum after not receiving an immediate response from the press.

Jonah Goldberg (Jae Hodge)

The entitlement displayed by Senator Murkowski and others, just one day in Session is astonishing. On the afternoon of Oct 11th, I received an email of complaint from Senator Murkowski. This email was sent after waiting less than 24 hours for a response to his original email and stated the following:

“On behalf of my Republican colleagues, we sent this press release into the Washington Watch to Ashley Parker and Terry Gross. Nothing has been published showing more non-bipartisanship…I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt and see what they would do, and it feels like this information is trying to be hidden...”

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the partisanship of The Washington Post, as it has been clear point of confusion within The Senate and the subject of an accusatory tweet. The Washington Watch Policies clearly states we are a bipartisan publication. Bipartisan simply refers to the fact that we have journalists who identify with both the Republican and Democratic Party. And not 'non-partisan' which would suggest that our publication is neutral.

Back to the email, the overall tone of this email was rude and riddled with groundless assumptions. However, following this message I issued an apology on behalf of The WW for the miscommunication and posted the press release. Of which, Senator Murkowski responded highlighting that “the Republicans made this and sent it in on the day of meeting”, it is both important and comical to note that “day of the meeting” refers to yesterday evening (Monday, October 10th / less than 24 hours ago). The WW does not respond to unkindness, demands nor insults to our ability to do our job, and will not be dignifying any further equivalent emails with a response.

In light of this, The WW encourages Senators to be patient with email responses and publications. Additionally we ask that the members refrain from sending emotionally charged emails as The WW will not be tolerating them.

Further, although we do not appreciate or condone the spirit of this email, we do understand the urgency associated with press releases and will be posting them at our earliest convenience, within a 24 hour window.

We thank you for your continued support and ask that our audience read over our policies and note that they are subject to adjustment.

* Reminder : Please send your Press Releases to The WW and not just the members of The Senate