Michael Moore is a supporter of openness and debate, unless you’re from The Daily Caller.
On Friday, TheDC attended a talk by Michael Moore in Washington, D.C. The media was invited and the only stipulation was that press would not be allowed to use their flash after the first five minutes of the event.
After checking in as reporters for The Daily Caller, we were immediately informed that we were not allowed to record the event.
My cameraman and I were confused as to why the rules had suddenly changed and why we weren’t notified until now, but we went ahead and took our seats in the designated media section.
As the room began to fill, we could see the organizers of the event whispering to one another in what, we assumed, was them working out last minute details.
A few minutes later, a woman tapped me on the shoulder to inform me that while Michael Moore would be taking questions at the end of his talk, TheDC would not be allowed to ask him any questions.
After checking to make sure I was at a Michael Moore event and not in communist China, I decided to still stay to cover the event.
My cameraman and I, unable to record the event or ask questions, listened as Michael Moore portrayed himself to the audience as an advocate for openness and freedom, and always willing to speak and debate with conservatives.
Moore’s talk contained many Christian references, and at one point he joked about Jesus being gay.
“You know those 12 men Jesus was always hanging out with? Mhm,” he said to laughter.
Moore praised WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has become a champion on the left for his work advocating for freedom of the press and openness.
“I think WikiLeaks is performing an incredible service” said Moore. When asked by an audience member why he helped Assange post bail he said, “I believe that anyone charged like that — especially someone who is the most wanted man by the government of the United States — deserves my help.”
I requested an interview from Moore’s people after the event, hoping that the self-proclaimed man of openness and debate would be willing to answer a couple of questions. After waiting for about an hour and half we were told that Michael Moore was unwilling to meet with me for a one-on-one interview.
It seems Michael Moore loves freedom and openness, so long as it’s on his terms.