2011 Luzerne County Elections

March 18, 2008

Obama keeps local media at arm’s length

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama made recent campaign stops in Northeastern Pennsylvania – and that’s where the similarity ends.

The contrast between the two Democratic presidential candidates was evident in their approach to campaigning – especially in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The former first lady embraced the crowds – literally. During her March 10 visit to Scranton, Clinton shook hands with supporters at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport before a stop at an Old Forge pizzeria on her way to a campaign rally at the Scranton High School.

Clinton granted one-on-one interviews to the local press and walked the distance in Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, stopping for photographs, handshakes and hugs along the way.

Obama, on the other hand, declined interviews with the local media and would not disclose details of his trip. His time of arrival was estimated and an appearance at Whistles Pub & Eatery in Scranton was restricted to pool media.

Representatives of his campaign would not disclose a timetable for his visit.

“Look, we’re not here to answer questions from The Times Leader all day,” said Sean Smith, an Obama press official. “You will get releases as soon as they are available.”

When Obama arrived at the airport Monday afternoon, he was whisked into an awaiting SUV and did not stop to talk with the 20 or so supporters who awaited his arrival.

Robert Novak, veteran national political journalist and commentator, said he finds Clinton and Obama to be much friendlier to local media than national media.

“Hillary and Obama are really reclusive,” Novak said. “They don’t like to talk to reporters, particularly Obama.”

Even inside Revello’s Pizza on Main Street, Old Forge, last week, Clinton worked the large crowd that gathered outside the restaurant.

Inside Revello’s she sat down in a booth, enjoyed some red pizza with longtime friends Hazel Price and Charlotte Iori, then met one-on-one with some local reporters.

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