No, the election and now inauguration of Gov. Rick Scott is nothing to celebrate. Unless for ideology sake, one makes allowances for the ethically challenged who buy their way in. But say this for Gov. Voldemort, his press conferences, however rare they may ultimately be, will not be decorum challenged. Rope stanchions will now prevent reporters from bolting after the exiting governor. There is, to be sure, ample precedent, and Scott was reportedly “aghast” at the journalistic-stampede custom.
Frankly, good for him. Recall that President Ronald Reagan had a similar mind-your-manners take regarding such public question-and-answer forums that often involve media preening and a gotcha gestalt. And he made his own institutional change. There was nothing wrong–in fact, a lot to like–with making Sam Donaldson & Co. raise their hands to ask a question.