×

Burgum approach nothing to prompt worry – yet

Some folks have expressed concern about Gov. Doug Burgum’s video address last week shortly after he officially took office. The problem was less the content than the delivery system as some did not like the one-way communication of a video.

Maybe some fear that Gov. Burgum’s vaunted technological prowess will translate into an administration that only communicates through the latest, controlled, media. However, there hardly is reason to worry at this point. It is not as if Gov. Burgum is only speaking to voters one-dimensionally; nor has he shown that he won’t address specific questions addressed to him from members of the media.

Controlling the message, as it’s referred to, has become problematic in recent years at a national level. Both the Obama administration and the Hillary Clinton campaign were criticized for not holding press conferences and/or giving interviews only to fawning pseudo-media instead of media that might ask challenging questions.

Similarly, President-elect Trump has been criticized for his use of social media, which enabled him to circumvent openly hostile media and speak directly to voters. However, Trump was also on the air frequently.

Still the past eight years in aggregate must be somewhat concerning. Some of that concern is warranted and some not, driven as it is by mainstream media’s inability create and control narratives to advance their own agendas.

Generally, yes, the trend of politicians bypassing the media to speak directly to voters must be watched, since in some cases it can allow candidates and officials to go unchallenged. However, specifically as it relates to Gov. Burgum, we are nowhere near the point of concern. Burgum seems comfortable sharing his ideas with people and is more than capable of expressing his arguments in a persuasive manner.

The new governor deserves every opportunity to show us he can advance the agenda he campaigned on and it is much too early to jump to any conclusions about how he will interact with the public.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today