South Carolina Democrat keeps electronics out of debate

Incumbent John M. Spratt (D-SC), who represents his state’s 5th District in the US House of Representatives, has insisted that a debate with challenger Mick Mulvaney be held without the use of microphones or cameras.
The debate was held at a South Carolina Lion’s Club venue, accessible only to ticketholders for the event. It’s not a total blackout – although cameras and mics are out, reporters will be allowed to attend.

Mulvaney used Spratt’s request to his own benefit, saying that “…in this country, we have open debates.”
Spratt said he does not want to become sound bite material with things he may say edited and used out of context.

Spratt is Chairman of the House Budget Committee and is the second ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.

RBR-TVBR observation: What a futile request. Spratt says he’s afraid that things said during the debate will be taken out of context and wind up being used against him. In this day and age, he will have to go into hiding if that’s what he hopes to prevent – he will have a very hard time getting out of camera range when every citizen is a potential electronic journalist and campaigns assign staff to tail one another.

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