Rep. Cynthia McKinney's Lessons In Media Appearances, Chapter 2

By: Hillary Profita
Topics: In The News

(AP Photo/Ric Feld)

Hopefully, Rep. Cynthia McKinney won't be uttering the phrase "Much ado about a hairdo" (coined following a series of media appearances after a recent run-in with the Capitol Police) anytime soon. And after an appearance on local television in Georgia, let's hope some other choice words aren't repeated on television. Or she'll make sure her microphone is off before berating staff members. Reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

The flap-plagued congresswoman, who has been in the media spotlight since she scuffled with a Capitol Hill police officer last month, was caught bad-mouthing a senior staffer Saturday.

Unfortunately for McKinney, a DeKalb County Democrat who is running for re-election in the 4th Congressional District, a TV microphone she was wearing picked up her indelicate grumbling.

"Crap!" an irritated McKinney is heard saying after ending an interview with CBS 46 in which reporter Renee Starzyk repeatedly asked about the fallout from the police dust-up. "You know what? They lied to Coz and Coz is a fool."

McKinney, apparently realizing her blunder, then returned to face the camera and tell the reporter that comments about her communications director, Coz Carson, were off the record.

No dice on that request. Writes AJC, "…the TV stationed aired the footage Saturday and the story later was picked up by CNN."

Update: You can watch the footage

here

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by meeker21276 April 26, 2006 2:42 AM EDT: She needs to leave. The press has the right to publish what they want. Who is she to tell them what they can or cannot air?? She needs to think before she speaks. If I was the aide that was slandered by her I would sue her. She needs to go pure and simple. She is a bigot and always will be; Reply to this comment


by spongbobby April 25, 2006 2:25 PM EDT: yque53 writes "She is guilty of bringing unwanted attention to herself, and nothing more. The media, CNN in particular, seem to have this doubnle standard going, where Rep. McKinney is expected to answer for an incident that is still under investigation. I guess she wouldn't be such a "liar, denier and divider" if she were a balding, overweight white man in a suit. Then, she'd be called a Republican." First CNN in not excatly a conservative network. Second the fat republican white guy would RESIGN. Third when all else fails fall back on being a black woman, but only use it when it's to her advantage. But hey, I'm just a fat republican white guy. And hotepk writes "The media jackals,like the cops,the establishment and all other assorted racists and truth haters are really bending over backwards in attempting to defame Ms. McKinney." Actually she does a great job on her own. Stop with the "cops and establisment" @#%? all the time because usually crimminals are the only ones with this outlook. Always some one else never ever personal responsibilities. hotepk goes on to write "Attacking the one unflinching advocate of the American people,the one courageous truth teller amongst a den of weasels called the congess of the United States." It surly is not Ms.McKinny. She is suppose to be very smart but she is not showing it lately nor does she have any manners especially for a Menber of the "weasel" Congress.; Reply to this comment


by ksolitaire April 25, 2006 12:21 PM EDT: I personally could care less if she called her staffer a fool... its her actions after the fact, that is bothersome: her demeanor and tone of voice when telling the reporter that what was overheard was to be kept off the record, was uncalled for. The woman spoke in a demanding and threatening manner... coming across as someone that has let power go to their head.; Reply to this comment


by ddzzyy April 24, 2006 7:02 PM EDT: You have to see the video to see her expression at the end as she threatens the news crew. Its so clear that she uses her power and influence to pressure other parties in the same way. Its also clear that she manipulates race issues to her advantage which is very unfortunate for everyone. And this is a congresswoman? I think she should apologize to all and step down and never pursue politics again.; Reply to this comment


by alphaa10-2009 April 24, 2006 6:39 PM EDT: Cynthia McKinney relishes her chance to shoot from the hip or worse, a very expensive habit when she, herself, provides ammunition to her critics who insist she is unworthy of serious note. Perhaps, by now, even she realizes she must engage her mind before speaking. Her lack of acumen in public underscores the fact she always will find difficulty in the art of politics, which is the process of working with others. We can be sure usage more vulgar and offensive than Cheney's or McKinney's words has been heard in congress. But both figures indicate a total disregard for the atmosphere is mutual respect required to work together.; Reply to this comment


by bluestardad April 24, 2006 5:46 PM EDT: She is a bigot and should be driven from congress! She is a distraction and should be told so!; Reply to this comment


by yque53 April 24, 2006 5:35 PM EDT: The only person Cynthia McKinney needs to apologize to is "Coz," her assistant. She is guilty of bringing unwanted attention to herself, and nothing more. The media, CNN in particular, seem to have this doubnle standard going, where Rep. McKinney is expected to answer for an incident that is still under investigation. I guess she wouldn't be such a "liar, denier and divider" if she were a balding, overweight white man in a suit. Then, she'd be called a Republican.; Reply to this comment


by caribe704 April 24, 2006 4:14 PM EDT: This Battling old Bat is a divider, a denier, and a liar. She is a racist of the worst kind, "OFF-Camera"And her Homeless hairdo would look better in a shelter than the Halls of Congress anyway; Reply to this comment


by peterbaldwin-2009 April 24, 2006 2:37 PM EDT: People yawned at Chaney using vulgar "fighting words" in the Senate, and then there was the recorded "&%*&*@" comment that everyone laughed at. Now we have someone guilty on two unpardonable counts - being black and being a woman - so the bar gets raised to the ceiling. Time for a low tech lynching.; Reply to this comment