As we head to DC to lobby congressional representatives to get tough on illegal immigration, we find out that Gordon Smith's spokesman will no longer allow me to interview the Senator.
We can have a disagreement about policy, which, of course, we do on the war in Iraq. But I'm told that my last interview with Senator Smith was not in keeping with what an interview with a Senator should be; in short, I was not deferential enough.
I've known Gordon Smith for more than 12 years. I daresay I helped get him elected. I've been on his side --a lot. I was talking to Gordon that day in the way I've always talked with interview subjects and elected officials: familiar, fun, but serious. I've always done it that way. I won't apologize for it or the questions I asked with my usual jocularity.
However, if I hurt your feelings, Gordon, I will apologize for that. So, even though we may not speak officially again, know that I've never meant to PERSONALLY hurt you. I deplore your stand on the war, but I certainly don't deplore the man you are inside.
I would have sent you a personal note but I couldn't be sure you would get it. I know you and your people read the blog, however, that is why I'm apologizing in a public way in hopes you will see this.
Sincerely,
Victoria
Friday, April 20, 2007
Dear Gordon, I'm sorry...
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12 comments:
Victoria,
Who said that you were not "deferential" enough?
Is that your opinion of the reason, or is this the reason you were given?
I have listened to interviews you have done on your show.
Often, even when I disagree with you, I find you humorous. However, sometimes you do cross a line, into an area I would categorize more as rude than humorous or polite disagreement.
Sometimes you do not even allow your guest to finish a sentence or answer a question before you interrupt them with a rude remark.
I am certain you do care about Gordon's feelings, and that your apology (in that area) is genuine.
Caring you are.
But are you open minded enough to engage in a reasonable discussion, with someone you disagree with?
Now put yourself in the place of the Senator.
Time is valuable. Lots of people want to interview you. Who do you choose? What interview is the best use of your time?
I voted for Gordon Smith as well.
I am likely to vote for him again.
Not because I agree with him on every issue, but because I respect his integrity.
We have enough party line followers in congress, we need independent thinkers who are not afraid to disagree with the leadership of their own party.
Have a good time in Washington.
I hope you return safely.
I would wish you luck on your endeavor as well but immigration is probably the one issue where your views don't just disagree with mine, they actually anger me.
Victoria: Surely your message to Gordon Smith was written with your tongue firmly buried in your cheek.
According to the left, Gordon Smith is all but finished in the Senate. I guess that is the thanks he gets for moving leftward some of the time;
Moveon.org Ad, Fact Check
Moveon.org Filibuster Ad
You Tube, Gordon Smith Protest
Follow The Bouncing Senator
Once you start playing 'footsie' with the far left, it is all or nothing with them, they own you and call the shots!
I meant it. If I hurt his feelings I'm sorry.
Coboble, I've spent a career talking to people with whom I disagree. I've got a good track record.
Well, with Defazio getting out of the race it looks like Steve Novick will have the far leftpositions all to himself.
Dear Mizz Victoria, you have said nothing for which you should apologize. Smith's arrogance and weakness require that his "staff" put you in your "place." The fool, harry reid, would attempt the same. If, and when, El Gordo is seen putting his pants on in a manner superior to the rest of us "peasants," he can then be above honest questions, honestly put. Having joined the democrat party in all but name, any travails visited upon his un-American butt are of his own making. Every illegal alien parasite crossing our borders has El Gordo to thank, along with his other lefty (and rino) pals. A foolish Lars gave us the choice of El Gordo, or earl (the pearl) blumenauer. The idiotic assumption Lars makes is that smith will survive the primary! Chuck hagel (rino, Nebraska) is over 9 points behind his Republican challenger. Soon-to-be former Sen. smith.....get your resume' ready.
Sen. Smith, where's my Apology Letter?
Victoria, you have nothing to apologize for.
What was that Man's name that might run against Sen.Independant thinker in the Primary? (as coboble calls Sen. Smith). Ps: Thanks Bear for the info about RINO hagel Chuck hagel (rino, Nebraska) is over 9 points behind his Republican challenger.
PPs: I wonder if Sen. Gordon Smith Rino-Oregon
ever tried to help the Schumachers.
After watching the Schumachers this morning on FOXNEWS Channel with Jane Skinner, I hope the Schumachers SUEEEEEEEEEEEEE The heck out of Portland, WIN, and then change the name of Portland to SCHUMACHER.
Yea The SCHUMACHER TRAILBLAZERS
Sen. Smith's reading of the last election tea leaves and hanging our military out to dry shows him to be a slimeball of the most leftist proportions.
I would be thrilled if he just quit screwing around and switched parties.
He's acting like a durbin, he should be in the party of a durbin...
and if Smith is a Republican, then I'm ashamed to call myself one.
For all the "progressive" noise made in the Willamette Valley, Oregon is still a state divided... For years now, Gordon Smith has been the highest conservative-ish representative we have.
Now it appears that he has decided his role is to virtually swap sides and represent the Oregon "constituents," specifically the ones who didn't elect him.
We elected Senator Smith to represent us in Washington, and instead, he seems to have forgotten that we exist.
I belong to an association who visit Senator Smith in DC yearly in June. This is during our Legislative conference. This usually is a photo op, and a time for us to represent our issues. I'm sure the only reason he has met with us is that we give him a hefty donation at election time. I am going to suggest we no longer support the Senator. Typically, he would act like he was listening, but would vote against the party.
Does anyone remember the Governor in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"? Remember the song he sang about sliding from side to side?
Unfortunately, in Oregon Senator Smith is the only Republican who might win.
dominque,
Meetings with the Senator should not be photo ops, he should be using your input in his decision process. He was elected to represent the State of Oregon and make decisions that are both in the best interest of Oregon and the United States. The same can be said for Wyden. If he is not doing this then it is time for him to go.
Our trips to DC were never "meant" to be photo ops only. It ended up that way due to the agenda of the Senator.
I have a lot of respect for our elected officials, but Senator Smith has disppointed me beyond repair.
I will do what I can to see Senator Smith is not elected. He is a fraud and a misrepresentation of his original agenda. Pretty sad commentary on our government here in Oregon.
Senator Smith needs to go away. His vote on the war funding is embarassing. Has he forgotten our young and our brave? Has he forgotten 9/11. It is pathetic. I hope he crawls away and does his private business and he fails miserably at that too, when he is not re-elected. It is a sad day, he is an embarassment to our beautiful state. My forefathers are rolling in their graves by the hypcrocy. I am so ashamed at the misbehavior of our government and their non-support of our troops and our future.
I asked my husband tonight, do you think Senator Smith has changed since his son died. Maybe that has something to do with his decisions, because it seems very coincidental that his actions started changing around that time frame.
I have to say that loosing a child is the worst thing imaginable, but maybe this is when you step down. Sen Smith never did, and maybe this is being reflected in his politics.
I think it's time you change parties Sen Smith, or step down. It is tryly embarassing as a 4th Gen Oregonian republican. I care about the environment, and our country. Apparently, your agenda is personal. What is your agenda?
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