Originally Posted by
mrsat_98
Wyllie for Governor
4 hrs · Edited ·
I just got back into town, and I thought I should update everyone on today's events.
Shortly after arriving at the Florida Press Association and Florida Society of News Editors convention at The Biltmore in Coral Gables, I scouted the conference area, just off the hotel lobby.
The FPA followed through with their plans to increase security. Posted at the entrance to the convention area was a uniformed city police officer with a photo of me in his hand. I saw him repeatedly shifting his gaze from the photo, and then to the faces entering the lobby. They were definitely looking for me.
I approached the officer quickly, so by the time he recognized me I was standing right in front of him. I smiled, pointed at the photo in his hand, and said, "Yes, that's me. But I'm not going to cause a ruckus just yet."
We were awaiting the arrival of a local TV news crew that had planned to cover the event. Unfortunately, they called and advised us they were stuck in traffic, and they would be at least an hour late.
We would have to go ahead without them.
I walked toward the conference area with staff and supporters in tow. The chief of security started calling after me to stop. I ignored him and kept walking. To his credit, the police officer did not move to intercept me.
I approached Dean Ridings, President of the Florida Press Association, who was waiting there for me. I told him that we both know why I'm here, and I asked him whether they were going to allow me in.
He stuck to his guns regarding their arbitrary criteria for inclusion, and we began engaging in a civil, but tense debate.
Neither of us was budging from our position.
A crowd began to gather, with my supporters on one side, and members of the press on the other. No one in the crowd spoke. They watched Dean and me intently.
Several people were recording the event, so I expect video to be available sometime soon.
After a few minutes of debate, Dean's position began to soften. He offered to let me into the event, but would not allow me on stage. He said I would be free to speak to the assembled media one-on-one.
It was a major concession on their part.
They were extending an olive branch, and it seemed sincere. The situation began to feel less like a confrontation, and more like a good faith negotiation.
At that point, I had a decision to make. I could accept the concession they were offering, deescalate the encounter, and take the opportunity to meet personally with the publishers and editors of Florida's largest media outlets.
Or, I could reject their offer, proceed to the podium, and be arrested.
At that moment, I knew that if I had proceeded, that my candidacy and the Libertarian Party would probably not be taken seriously again for a very long time.
No matter how gracefully I proceeded, exaggerated headlines across the state tomorrow would read, "Extremist Libertarian Disrupts Press Event, Terrifies Guests." Much of the credibility we've earned in recent years would be lost in an instant.
I would have won the day's battle, but lost the entire war. I agreed to their terms.
They issued convention credentials to me and one staff member, and gave us access. I spent the afternoon speaking directly with the heads of major newspapers and media outlets. I found that there was actually a great deal of interest in our campaign within the press.
Cell phone numbers were exchanged. Relationships were founded.
We scheduled several interviews with reporters, and planned meetings with editorial boards for endorsement consideration.
Also, based on our discussions, it is seems much more likely that I will be included in all of the televised debates.
I have to admit, my ego was somewhat deflated because I didn't triumphantly take the stage to address the media. We were itching for a "fight" and we didn't get one.
But in the end, I'm very glad that I trusted my instinct and accepted the truce offered by the FPA. I sincerely believe we advanced the cause of liberty today.
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