McCain on journalism

Mon, April 14, 2008 - 11:31 AM

McCain opened up at the Associated Press annual meeting saying he has decided to be as open as possible with the media, but admitted relations with the press can be an “obstacle course.”

“There have been days that I’ve wished you were somewhere else,” he said.

But McCain said he believes in giving reporters great access in an effort to clarify his positions and give reporters the opportunity to understand his policies.

“I want voters to know and understand my position,” he said. “… I’ll take my chances with you and trust in the American people to get it right.”

McCain drew applause when said he narrowly supports a federal "shield law" to protect journalists from having to reveal confidential sources. (AP story here.)

He said he worries about the law’s impact on classified government information, but the law can also protect those who bring light to government misdeeds.

“It is frankly a license to do harm – serious harm,” McCain said. “But it’s also a license to do good.”

McCain also made sure to get a few digs in. Newsrooms are among the least transparent institutions in the country, he said.

“I think it’s an impression the press should work on correcting,” he said.

-- Amy Dominello