Roger Stone: Your New AP Source

Roger Stone is one of those people who makes covering journalism in New York worth it. The longtime Republican operative has a knack for gonzo publicity stunts like his anti-Hillary Rodham Clinton group Citizen United Not Timid that, for better or worse, work. Besides, we’ve gotta admit that we have a soft spot for anyone with the cojones to get a Richard Nixon tattoo.

But what the hell was an AP journalist doing asking Stone for a quote about Barack Obama? In an article about Barack Obama‘s decision not to wear an American flag lapel pin, the AP’s Nedra Pickler writes:

Conservative consultants say that combined, the cases could be an issue for Obama in the general election if he wins the nomination, especially as he runs against Vietnam war hero Sen. John McCain. “The reason it hasn’t been an issue so far is that we’re still in the microcosm of the Democratic primary,” said Republican consultant Roger Stone. “Many Americans will find the three things offensive. Barack Obama is out of the McGovern wing of the party, and he is part of the blame America first crowd.”

Obama part of the “blame America first crowd” and “McGovern wing”? Err… ok. But asking Stone for a quote on a Democratic candidate is the rough equivalent of asking the Pope for a few kind words about atheism. Is it proof of a possible bias towards McCain on the reporter’s part or just a poor choice of interview quote? Who knows.

Create a social media strategy, launch your campaign, and track the results in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. The online event and workshop will feature speakers including The Onion‘s Baratunde Thurston (left), Facebook’s Morin Oluwole, and bitly’s Tim Devane. Register now.