Here’s a pretty good story from Clara Moskowitz, based on the actual event, as opposed to just the press release.
I should provide some context for Jeff Foust’s quote of me:
While this group may suppot the administration’s commercial space policies, just don’t expect them to start sporting “Obama 2012″ buttons any time soon. “I just don’t think that the president cares that much one way or the other about commercial space,” Simberg said in response to a question. “But I’m glad for that. I think if he did we’d have worse problems.”
The question this was a response to was one from Keith Cowing. I don’t remember exactly what it was, but a rough but I think accurate paraphrase would be, “You have called the president a liar on your blog. So how can you support his space policy?”
I don’t know if the people on the phones could hear my eyes rolling, but those present will attest that they were, which is why I didn’t bother to actually answer it.
By the way, I think that he does his readers a disservice by so steadfastly refusing to link to anything that I write, anywhere, but as he always tells anyone who complains, it’s his web site.
So what is the path forward for the Competitive Space Task Force? Do you guys have some tasks and goals laid out for the near term? Policy/legislation work? General advocacy?
Do you need more manpower?
“You have called the president a liar on your blog. So how can you support his space policy?”
My answer would have been that even a blind pig will find an acorn every once in a while.
On second thought your response was probably better.
Sounds like classic Keith.
Just remember that repetition is the basis of media relations. No matter how many times they ask the same stupid questions you have to keep giving the same well thought out and reasonable answers. There is no “please read the whole thread before posting” etiquette in the press.
It doesn’t matter what sort of warped logic leads a politician to present good policy, so long as they get there in the end.
Talk about eye rolling! That is what I and several other staffers were doing while you made a fool of yourself. You impressed no one. I do not expect to see you invited back anytime soon.
Just who is it that you fantasize “invited” me in the first place, idiotic anonymous coward?
“Hill Rat”, you’re a coward.
Trolls are pretty impervious to name calling, Trent. Which doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it, of course. Particularly when it’s apt.
Yet more confirmation that “staffers” are among the least clued people on Earth. Nobody will ever care about your opinion on who to “invite”. You’re there to answer phones and copy. Get back to work.
Maybe Hill Rat is anonymous because if we knew who was giving him his cheese, we’d understand why Rand’s policy positions were not to his liking, not to mention not in his interest. Can’t jeopardize that nice lobbying job with the big pork-seeking corporation that’s waiting for him once he’s carried the water for them on the Hill.
Iron triangle, anyone?
Since when do you need an invitation to visit Capitol Hill or hold a press conference — and what sort of Hill staffer doesn’t know that?
I doubt if Hill Rat is in line for a big lobbying job. Most of the staffers who get sent to cover press conferences are college interns, and his post seems to confirm it.
If the troll’s employer doesn’t realize what’s happening in the electorate; then its the troll who might lose their invitation to return in 2013.