October 31, 2008 3:05 PM
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Reporters From McCain-Endorsing Newspapers Denied Seats on Obama Plane
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From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:
Three newspaper reporters were denied seats on the Obama campaign plane today, and, incidentally, all three of their publications endorsed John McCain.
Reporters from the Washington Times, New York Post, and the Dallas Morning News were told that their requests to travel on the plane were denied due to space issues.
"The demand for seats on the plane during this final weekend has far exceeded supply, and because of logistical issues we made the decision not to add a second plane," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
Obama's hometown newspapers, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune, requested additional seats on the plane, which were accommodated. Aides say that a dozen other requests were not accommodated. The campaign has offered these media outlets assistance with booking hotel rooms, accommodating space in press areas, etc.
Christina Bellantoni, a reporter from the Washington Times says she learned last Saturday that her request to travel through Election Day might be denied. Although Bellantoni had a seat on the plane this week, the campaign informed her yesterday of their decision.
The buzz on the internet is that these newspapers were targeted specifically for endorsing McCain. However, Fox News, which has been criticized by the campaign and Obama himself for unfavorable coverage, have been allowed travel on the campaign plane for the duration of the election.
(CBS)
Three newspaper reporters were denied seats on the Obama campaign plane today, and, incidentally, all three of their publications endorsed John McCain.
Reporters from the Washington Times, New York Post, and the Dallas Morning News were told that their requests to travel on the plane were denied due to space issues.
"The demand for seats on the plane during this final weekend has far exceeded supply, and because of logistical issues we made the decision not to add a second plane," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
Obama's hometown newspapers, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune, requested additional seats on the plane, which were accommodated. Aides say that a dozen other requests were not accommodated. The campaign has offered these media outlets assistance with booking hotel rooms, accommodating space in press areas, etc.
Christina Bellantoni, a reporter from the Washington Times says she learned last Saturday that her request to travel through Election Day might be denied. Although Bellantoni had a seat on the plane this week, the campaign informed her yesterday of their decision.
The buzz on the internet is that these newspapers were targeted specifically for endorsing McCain. However, Fox News, which has been criticized by the campaign and Obama himself for unfavorable coverage, have been allowed travel on the campaign plane for the duration of the election.
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