August 31, 2004
More, More, Moore
Posted by The Editors | 09:52 AM
At the podium Monday night, John McCain and Rudy Giuliani were the stars. Elsewhere around Madison Square Garden, however, it was documentary filmmaker Michael Moore who grabbed the most attention from delegates and press people alike.
The "Fahrenheit 9/11" director, who this week is writing a column for USA Today, caused a commotion when he headed to the Garden and used his press credentials to sit down in the Section 227 media space. After Moore entered the space, security officials stopped letting reporters in through Gate 77 (the entrance to Section 227). Outside the convention hall, waiting reporters commented about Moore's presence -- mostly with displeasure and disbelief: "Who let him in?" "Why is he here?" "I can't believe they let him through."
Press gallery officials are reportedly livid with USA Today for giving Moore credentials and causing such a scene. Charlie Cook reports that, since the galleries don't want a political party determining who deserves credentials, media organizations need to self-regulate.
Inside Madison Square Garden, convention attendees gathered to watch Moore at work, and security officials finally ordered people to return to their seats. Reporters inside the section took pictures (some from cell phones), called their editors and generally gawked at the famous face just feet away. TV cameras and photographers on the convention floor regularly turned away from the podium and focused their lenses on Moore.
Moore worked quietly and took notes, although he smiled and tipped his hat when McCain called him a "disingenuous filmmaker" and sparked a round of delegates boos and catcalls. Moore flashed a peace sign before making the "L" that was widely published in today's newspapers.
After McCain's speech, Moore left the press area while his security officers commanded reporters, "No pictures." One media type retorted, "But this is the biggest story here." -- From Anne Wagner, NationalJournal.com
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