My wife and I tuned in to KTVB's Viewpoint with Dee Sarton on the Internet. Susan listened while she prepared a meal. I watched the TV. Susan thought John answered nicely. My original bias against this man's actions has been well documented. I just watched and said nothing till the show ended. I wanted to challenge myself and listen with an open mind and heart. A friend of mine asked me to be more open on this particular office holder.
Rather than yet share my opinions of McGee from the KTVB interview, I wanted you to take some time and watch it yourself. (I've embedded it below for you to make your own judgements of Sen. McGee.)
Dee interviewed John McGee for almost 25 minutes with the lion-share of the interview centered on his arrest, the 7 months of quiet since the arrest and his apparent abuse of the per diem funds for Legislators.
Rather than discuss John McGee here, I would like to comment on Dee Sarton's demeanor during the interview: her body language and tone.
I can't and won't speak for Dee, that is not the intent of this blog post. But I couldn't help watch her reactions to Sen. McGee's answers.
I've known Dee Sarten for 22 years. I've often been interviewed by her, been on Viewpoint many times and I've seen her interview some of the toughest political people in the state. There simply is no more a proven professional TV journalist in Idaho than Dee Sarton.
I saw clear and appropriate questions asked by her that were answered by Sen. McGee in soft answers and apparent humility. If you notice, I didn't say clear answers...just soft ones. He was keenly and sharply aware that every word uttered during this interview might just come back at him, packaged by an opponent in a Primary Election TV spot.
A couple times Sen. McGee began to ramble and Dee quickly and effectively leashed him back. Dee Sarton leaned into the interview. Her eyes were hunting for understandable answers not political cliches. Dee's professionalism was evident with every question.
She used the term "doesn't pass the smell test" a few times. I think she did so for a reason...
At one point she seems to sit stunned - as though she can't believe the cliches she IS hearing. For example, Dee Sarton had to repeatedly ask about the issue of whether it was common sense NOT to take a per diem as a Legislator when in fact Mr. McGee was not traveling those miles for which he was being compensated. Watch John's reaction, then watch Dee's response as she peers into his eyes.
Very interesting.
The question now before us is whether Mr. McGee's newest answers "pass the smell test" with news professionals... and ultimately in May with voters.
Almost as though it was a relief for her to move on towards an end to the interview with McGee, Dee's demeanor lightens up as she briefly asks him about the budget.
My call on what was on the mind of the interviewer who interviewed the interviewee about his answers..."soft, sharp and yet, somehow...?"
Here are some quick transcriptions that I found interesting, as I watched the piece. They may not be word for word.
Den
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Dee Sarton: Seven months from the arrest. We heard nothing from you. Why so long?
Sen. John McGee: Now that the Legislature has started I am talking to the media.
Dee: It appears that your colleagues take a greater priority than your constituents.
John: I spoke to a lot of constituents...
Dee: How has this cost you?
John: It's been a challenging cost to my family.
Dee: Re: his refusal to release his medical records.
John: I've tried to be as open as I can. I have to be mindful. As a public figure I need to meet with you.
Dee: But you have not released your medical records.
John: It's a slippery slope. I don't want to set that precedent.
Dee: Re the Pledge to not drink.
John: ...I had a glass of wine last night for dinner.
Dee: Closed door vote in the Senate Caucus and political transparency?
John: The 27 Members voted on me. I was humbled.
Dee: Re the per diem - receiving money while living in Boise. 96% in the poll said NO! Was there anytime when you turned in those per diem slips that you thought you should not?
John: We need to have more definition as to what the per diem is and how it is used.
Dee: You've never felt poorly about applying and getting those dollars?
John: I'm not going to apply for those dollars until we have more definition about per diem dollars.
Dee: People expect law makers to have a sense that their deeds pass the smell tests.
John: That's why we need to have guidelines.
Dee: You need to have more guidelines? And not just use common sense?
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