October 30, 2002


They say you better listen to the voice of reason
But they don't give you any choice
'cause they think that it's treason.
So you had better do as you are told -
You better listen to the radio...


Six days before Election Day, the White House greeted talk radio hosts, in an invitation-only North Lawn circle-jerk that gave rightwingnut propagandists direct access to Bush misadministration officials.

Democrats complained that the event favored conservative radio programs and was just the latest example of Bunnypants' willingness to use every "tool" at his disposal to influence next Tuesday's elections by getting out the conservative vote, then went back to sleep.

About 50 radio talk shows and news programs participated in "Radio Day." Saying the timing was mere coincidence, the White House denied any political motive. Taylor Gross, the staffer who organized the event, said it was long in the making and designed to give access where it is rarely granted.

Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri found the White House explanation lacking. "I don't find that believable. It's clear that the White House's Radio Day is a thinly veiled get-out-the-vote effort," she said. ''It reeks of an inappropriate mix of politics and official business.''

Though a few regular White House radio news correspondents were in the mix, the Bush administration was not allowing reporters access to the event until late afternoon.

Those participating included Oliver North and Sean Hannity; the John Boy and Billy show out of Charlotte, N.C.; WTMJ in Wisconsin and KERN in Bakersfield, Calif.; and Nashville host Steve Gill. Rush Limbaugh was invited but declined. Must've been a sale on pork rinds somewhere.

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