There have been a lot of real press conferences in California this week. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appeared at many. Photo by Annie Wells-Pool/Getty Images
by Mark Silva
Hurricanes? Wildfires?
They aren’t half the disaster that a FEMA press conference has become.
Earlier this week, in an attempt to get the word out about relief efforts in the Southern California wind-fanned wildfires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency staged a press conference. And we mean staged: Lacking actual reporters, the agency planted FEMA workers to ask the questions that FEMA wanted answered.
And FEMA today stood ready with a mea culpa for the “stunt’’ – suggesting that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was none too happy about this agency-made disaster in the wake of natural disasters that have tested the agency's mettle.
“It is simply inexcusable and offensive to Secretary Chertoff that such a mistake could be made,’’ Laura Keehner, deputy press secretary for Homeland Security, said in a call with actual reporters today. “ We have made it clear that such a stunt will never be tolerated or repeated."
Real reporters had been invited, she said, “but clearly (were) not given enough time to be able to attend… As I understand, a few camera crews were able to arrive in time take B-roll toward the end.’’
B-roll is footage that television stations use – footage that captured the actual questions of the fake reporters at the FEMA press conference.
Today, the day after President Bush's actual trip to Southern California, the White House maintained that it knew nothing about the phony FEMA presser until after it had occurred.
“It is not a practice that we would employ here at the White House… We certainly don't condone it,’’ White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said.
Things were going pretty well for FEMA in California until this stunt was revealed. This is an agency still recovering from the bad press it suffered after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of Louisiani and Mississippi and flooded New Orleans.
On Tuesday, FEMA sought some good press about the wildfire relief efforts -- with a self-pitched softball game of questions lobbed at a FEMA administrator, who hit them out of the park.
“We didn't know about it beforehand,'' the White House spokeswoman said today. "FEMA has issued an apology, saying that they had an error in judgment when they were attempting to try to get out a lot of information to reporters, who were asking for answers to a variety of questions in regards to the wildfires in California. It's not something I would have condoned, and they, I'm sure, will not do it again.’
So who is responsible?
“FEMA is responsible, and they have taken that… responsibility, and they issued an apology today,’’ Perino said. “FEMA has apologized for the error in judgment.. They have admitted that they had an error in judgment. I would agree with that. They've issued an apology. You'll have to ask them about why they decided to do that.’’
“I don’t think that there was any mal-intent,’’ she added. “I think that they were trying to provide information to the public through the press, because there were so many questions pouring in. It was just a bad way to handle it, and they know that.’’
The briefer who ran the press conference on Tuesday, FEMA Deputy Administrator Harvey Johnson, did not reveal at the time that questions were coming from staffers playing reporters. Some of the questions did have an odd ring to them, however – sounding like something other than the probing sort one might expect.
STAFFER: “ What type of commodities are you pledging to California?
JOHNSON: “"So I think we're well ahead of the requirement and we'll be able to make sure that all the shelters that are stood up are, in fact, all sustained and have sufficient materials and quantities of commodities to make sure they meet the demand of the people who might seek shelter."
STAFFER: “Tthere are a number of reports that people weren't heeding evacuation orders and that was hindering emergency responders. Can you speak a little to that, please?
JOHNSON: “i think you're seeing more compliance and more conformance with expected norms of travel."
STAFFER: “Can you address a little bit what it means to have the president issue an emergency declaration, as opposed to a major disaster declaration? What does that mean for FEMA?
JOHNSON: “As an emergency declaration, it allows us to provide -- to open up the Stafford Act and to provide the full range of protective measures and all the things that they need now in order to address the fire, If the governor had asked for a major declaration, that would have talked about individual assistance and public assistance at greater levels. And at this point, the governor has not asked for that."
STAFFER: “ Sir, we understand the secretary and the administrator of FEMA are on their way out there. What is their objective? And is there anyone else traveling with them? ‘’
JOHNSON: “All the key leaders who are directing this effort and demonstrating a partnership through their effort will be out there at San Diego this afternoon. So I think it's a good demonstration of support, recognizing that our role is not to usurp the state but to support the state. And they'll demonstrate that by their presence."
STAFFER: “Are you happy with FEMA's response, so far? ‘’
JOHNSON: “I'm very happy with FEMA's response so far. This is a FEMA and a federal government that's leaning forward, not waiting to react. And you have to be pretty pleased to see that."
STAFFER: “ What lessons learned from Katrina have been applied? ‘’
JOHNSON: “I think what you're really seeing here is the benefit of experience, the benefit of good leadership and the benefit of good partnership; none of which were present in Katrina. So, I think, as a nation, people should sit up and take notice that you have the worst wildfire season in history in California and look at how well the state and local governments are performing, look at how well we're working together between state and federal partners."
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Comments
Harvey Johnson's Government career should end today!! Someone please tell me why he should keep his job.
Posted by: Jay North | October 26, 2007 4:54 PM
Now why didn't conservatives think of this before. Instead of inviting that liberally righted-winged bias press, just stage a press conference. Besides, Americans would be to ignorant to call us on our bs.
Posted by: RomanB | October 26, 2007 5:03 PM
FEMA's next big accomplishment will be staging a fake disaster.
Posted by: Josey2006 | October 26, 2007 5:07 PM
Jeeze, the gang that couldn't shoot straight.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 26, 2007 5:07 PM
Let me take the Libune to task for a typical one-sided liberal media drive-by assault on this typical conservative faux-media dog-and-pony show.
Or something like that.
Posted by: kb | October 26, 2007 5:11 PM
FEMA is merely imitating what they have seen the White House do in the past.
In 2005, a male prostitute/fake reporter was
investigated after he asked
surprising soft questions during Presidential press conferences. This White House has a history of lying. FEMA is only following tradition.
Posted by: Bill R | October 26, 2007 5:18 PM
Because this administration thinks we are idiots they continue to do the same "tricks" over and over. The sad part is, this is as far as the story will go. By tomorrow, it will be forgotten.
Posted by: C. Spanecki | October 26, 2007 5:35 PM
"It is not a practice that we would employ here at the White House… We certainly don't condone it,’’ White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said.
My ARSE they don't condone this type of activity. Smoke and mirrors has been their public policy from the beginning!!
k
Posted by: Kathy | October 26, 2007 5:39 PM
You have to wonder who thought this was a good idea? The script is bad even by government standards.
Posted by: whatnow | October 26, 2007 5:44 PM
What am I missing here? If there were no reporters present, who reported the press conference? And it seems the Silva article's definition of B-roll is different from that used in television which states, "B-roll is the video that accompanies the narration." Basically, it's "B" for background. The Q and A in a press conference would be primary footage, not B-roll. None of this makes much sense.
Posted by: Bonita | October 26, 2007 5:55 PM
"See in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."
- George W. Bush
You can hardly blame these FEMA guys. They were just following the president's example by "catapulting the propaganda".
Posted by: Tom O | October 26, 2007 6:20 PM
If FEMA was so anxious to communicate to the public, why didn't they follow up with a real news conference?
Posted by: John | October 26, 2007 6:20 PM
While I agree this was probably a WRONG approach, and a very stupid decision on some morons part. I think that the medial is making a mountain out of a mowhill.
Face it, there is nothing that can be done in while the Bush administration is in office that the "Drive By" media will not twist, or not report the entire story without opinion.
No I don't condone this act, and think someone needs to be in the unemployment line. This kind of news is getting old and tiring.
But there is hope, as soon as Billary Gets in office the press will have nothing to report bad for 4 years!
Posted by: Jason G | October 26, 2007 6:31 PM
Surely FEMA was just imitating the press as I haven't seen anyone, save Helen Thomas, ask this administration anything BUT softball question. Writing about this (and it's sadly tpical of the GWB admin) is really just the press saying "Hey, they're doing OUR job . . . exactly the way we do it these days."
Posted by: Karl_in_Chicago | October 26, 2007 6:45 PM
Bill R is correct. Jeff Gannon is the name of the fake news reporter given access to presidential press conferences. A simple Internet search will provide more details.
Posted by: DK | October 26, 2007 6:53 PM
Was Jeff Gannon there?
He's a favorite of the Bush regime.
Posted by: Roger | October 26, 2007 6:55 PM
This would be hilarious if it weren't so damn pathetic. What is even more laughable is the Whitehouse and Perino scolding FEMA for holding a phoney news conference. Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rice, Snow, and now Perino are pros at spinning bullshit. Phoney questions from active duty service members at Bush's cherry-picked meet-the-troops conferences set the standard. I know why Snow left. I can't help but wonder how Dana can stand to look at herself in the mirror. This almost pales in comparison to Brownie's stupid "Fashion God" moment. For all the good people that I know must work for FEMA: I'm so sorry. For those at FEMA and in the Bush Administration who condone this behavior: You really suck.
Posted by: Rick/Sneads Ferry, NC | October 26, 2007 7:06 PM
"Uh.....LINE!"
" Yes, Mr. President: 'You're doin' a heckuva job, Brownie.'"
" Oh yeah. You're doin' a heckuva job, Brownie."
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | October 26, 2007 7:17 PM
...And it seems the Silva article's definition of B-roll is different from that used in television which states, "B-roll is the video that accompanies the narration." Basically, it's "B" for background. The Q and A in a press conference would be primary footage, not B-roll. None of this makes much sense.
Posted by: Bonita | October 26, 2007 5:55 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acutally it was Laura Keehner, deputy press secretary for Homeland Security, who called it B-roll. Mr Sliva was clarifying that B-roll is a phrase used in TV.
But I see your little LIB trick Bonita... you are bringing focus to the slip JUST to point out something that proves how utterly incompetent the Bush Administration is.
Well, I didnt fall for it, and come to think of it...
I dont think I will..
Posted by: Smirky McFlightsuit | October 26, 2007 7:42 PM
What else can you say? and it goes on and on. Wake up people...you can vote this bs out. The Caolifornians got burnt twice. How does it go...once burnt shame on you...twice burnt shame on me.
Posted by: carlyne miller | October 26, 2007 7:48 PM
Why does Fool and the Gang hate reality?
(Note to John D and the other Swamp Doogs)
This 'why do they hate' gambit is a play on Hunnity's, Flush's, and other right wingnuts silly attacks on anyone that disagrees with Prez. Dimwit.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 26, 2007 7:57 PM
FEMA has learned well from their commandant, Mr. Bush. He is always planting questions with "real media" at his press conferences so that his administration can be positioned better than it really is.
Posted by: MikeP | October 26, 2007 8:27 PM
How dare they steal one of my "Bizarro White House Adventures!"
Posted by: Dan M | October 26, 2007 10:24 PM
This is the administration that routinely has "town hall" meetings with "townies" that just happen to support the president. With a culture of deceit, it is hardly surprising that a fake news event was staged by FEMA. The only thing they are really sorry about is getting caught.
Posted by: Richard Friedman | October 26, 2007 11:18 PM
...And it seems the Silva article's definition of B-roll is different from that used in television which states, "B-roll is the video that accompanies the narration." Basically, it's "B" for background. The Q and A in a press conference would be primary footage, not B-roll. None of this makes much sense.
Posted by: Bonita | October 26, 2007 5:55 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acutally it was Laura Keehner, deputy press secretary for Homeland Security, who called it B-roll. Mr Sliva was clarifying that B-roll is a phrase used in TV.
But I see your little LIB trick Bonita... you are bringing focus to the slip JUST to point out something that proves how utterly incompetent the Bush Administration is.
Well, I didnt fall for it, and come to think of it...
I dont think I will..
Wow, you're so smart.
It's always an argument about liberal vs. conservative. There's only an argument because one thinks the other is getting more attention. Everyone should grow up and stop acting like spoiled brats.
Posted by: Larry | October 26, 2007 11:45 PM
"Earlier this week," eh?
Monday, that is.
And, it took til' Friday for ABC, CBS, and NBC
Nightly NEWS, et al. to
merrily report it.
ABC's Gibson ended the piece
stating--'At least no one
suffered [by this stunt].'
Not at all, Good Time Charlie. How about the
First Amendment? Press Freedom? The American People?
Posted by: ABE | October 27, 2007 12:39 AM
“It is simply inexcusable and offensive to Secretary Chertoff that such a mistake could be made,’’ Laura Keehner, deputy press secretary for Homeland Security.
I hardly think this is a "mistake".
My question is why dors Homeland Security NEED a "Press Secretary" (and who and where were they) let alone a "Deputy Press Secretary"?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | October 27, 2007 6:46 AM
Please relate your story, "Man-made disaster: Phony FEMA press conference," to the press conference style "No Child Left Behind" fake news stories paid for by the Department of Education. It is important to understand that this is not an isolated incident.
-Brad Steinmetz
Posted by: Brad Steinmetz | October 27, 2007 9:23 AM
An all new low. Proof that the Bush era FEMA has no shame or credablility.
Posted by: An Inconvenient Truth | October 27, 2007 10:24 AM
I thought the questions were more intelligent than we usually get from the media in press conferences. A clue was when no one asked, "How do you FEEL about the fires destroying an area the size of Manhattan?"
Posted by: Gregorich | October 27, 2007 2:15 PM
The saddest thing of all about this sorry affair is that nobody will get fired and nothing will change.
Whatever happened to "personal accountability?" Or is that merely a talking point?
This administration is utterly contemptible.
Posted by: Anthony Palmer | October 27, 2007 9:09 PM
Chertoff or?? 'Svengoolie"!!
Posted by: C.Morris | October 27, 2007 9:34 PM
"Here we go Loop de Lou" Much drivel on Sunday Spin re "Robust Response" by Run-around-Sooey, "Different when 'Local' response better than NOLA" failing to note no comparison in size, scope, kind or degree.(1000:1)
"Here we go loop-de-lie."
You go Georgie!
Posted by: gavin immerson | October 28, 2007 12:56 PM
Gosh, why no foaming at the mouth, knee jerk wingnuts defending the mis-administration here? Can it be the that the flunkies that work for president chainsaw were actually so stupid that even the logically (and intellectually challenged) posters here can't think of a single thing to throw back at liberals to blow smoke over yet another example of rampant stupid cronyism? Wow, I am amazed at the depth of ignorant, stupid, vacuous, vapid, mendacious, cloying pitifulness on the part of the mis-administration and its flunkies.
Posted by: RNCBS | October 28, 2007 8:36 PM
If republicans had any brains, they'd be Democrats.
Posted by: snitramc | October 29, 2007 12:13 AM
Hmmm...perhaps landing on the moon was staged.
Posted by: Frank C. | October 29, 2007 10:27 AM
To Josey2006
"FEMA's next big accomplishment will be staging a fake disaster."
Oh, don't worry...they will. There are still unanswered questions about the WTC. There's big money in "disaster capitalism".
Good book on the subject called The Shock Doctrine by Naiomi Klein (google it for a short film clip.)
Sushi
"The unanswered questions aren't nearly as dangerous as the unquestioned answers."
Posted by: Sushi | October 30, 2007 7:42 AM
How would you rate this one. Is it the most moronic act of this administration, or what?
I just know there is a broadway comedy in this. Where are the writers? Let's get this thing on the national stage!
I know how serious this is, but why can't I stop laughing?
Posted by: Marge | November 1, 2007 10:14 AM