Some post-#MSelex thoughts: As a journalist, I'd like to thank @HoodForGovernor for giving a special shout out to "the 4th Estate" (as he always calls us) in his concession speech last night. Even when we reported critically on him... 1/
AG Hood repeatedly reiterated his respect for the work of journalists over the course of this campaign, while some politicians (and I don't just mean Republicans) use anti-press rhetoric designed to deflect from critical coverage. 2/
I also really appreciate the candidates and teams who were always available to take a call and answer questions, like @DelbertHosemann and his comms team. I don't think I've ever asked a question, even a critical one, and received no more than a carefully-worded non-response. 3/
I'll never understand people in or running for public offices who think they should be immune from taking questions from journalists—or who think they should only have to interact with stenographers cosplaying as journalists who report on their terms. 4/
Thanks to those who sat with the JFP for in-depth discussions—something we need more of in our politics rather than soundbites: Valesha P. Williams, @RobertFoster4MS, @JenniferforAG, @Jay4Mississippi, @HoodForGovernor—and all those who sat for LetsTalkJackson podcasts, too. 5/
Taking critical questions & discussing your ideas for the State is not going above & beyond—it's the baseline we should expect from public officials & those asking to be entrusted with public office. Yet too many feel like they can skip that responsiblity—& win anyway. 6/
The relationship between the press & public officials is adversarial by nature because the press (when we do our jobs) is serving the public in its own way—by holding them accountable.
But just bc it's adversarial doesn't mean the press & public officials have to be enemies. 7/
But just bc it's adversarial doesn't mean the press & public officials have to be enemies. 7/
If the press & public officials they cover are truly doing their jobs & serving the people, that adversarial relationship can function to everyone's benefit. The "We're either enemies or good ole boys propping each other up" model of press-politician relations has got to die. 8/
My job, as a journalist here, is to not only to help inform, but to keep an eye out & make sure our leaders are working for the good of Mississippians—and not for themselves or for a handful of donors or pals. It's not about helping or hurting one candidate/party. 9/ #MSelex
When the press and public officials work in good faith in their respective roles serving the people, sure, the two will still clash at times—because the relationship is, by definition, adversarial. For example... 10/
A state leader may pursue one policy in good faith because they truly believe it's best for the people, & not be influenced by donors, bigotry, or any other bad faith motives.
It's still our job as the press to make sure that's true, ask questions, & ask critical questions. 11/
It's still our job as the press to make sure that's true, ask questions, & ask critical questions. 11/
Leaders of good faith who understand the necessity of the 4th Estate and how the push-and-pull between the press and public officials serves to benefit the people can appreciate that, even if it frustrates them at times. 12/
I look forward to continuing to do this work as a new slate of State leaders take charge, as frustrating as it can be at times, too. I'm hoping our new leaders will see the importance of transparency, openness, and of accountability. For too long, too many have not. 13/x
