Jun 25, 2010
Loose Lips Sink Ships
Yes, General McChrystal and his aides moved their mouths way too much in front of Rolling Stone reporter Michael Hastings. That’s often the case when complacency and alcohol mix. However, based on the article, the General’s overall bull-in-a-china-shop personality, combined with his I’m-a-General-and-you’re-not mentality, this guy was going to verbally trip himself and his career up sooner rather than later. Although General McChrystal gets no Virtual Cup of Joe from us, I suggest he consider decaf in the future.
Speaking of loose lips, U.S. Representative Joe Barton of Texas doesn’t deserve any coffee either, as recently pointed out by EveryDayPR reader Don Barkman. As Don put it, ”Who said ‘hoof in mouth’ disease was a thing of the past? In other circumstances the guy might have had half a point about the intrusion of govt into business, but not in this case.” No coffee for BP’s Tony Hayward for “keeping a straight face (blessings to botox) during the questioning at the hearing. Add up the air time and I suspect it amounts to congresspersons 85%, BP 15%. What were they hearing? Posturing for the populace, of course.” As always, thanks to Don and other readers for your feedback – keep it coming.
The virtual Cup of Joe Award from EveryDayPR spotlights our pick of the week for a public relations performance – good, bad or ugly. If you’d like to make a nomination, contact shart@hartpr.com or www.Twitter.com/susanhartpr.
During my newspaper career, I've been shocked at how many times people whom I've covered for extended periods (for me it was often city council members when I worked the city government beat) would simply forget that I was a reporter and listening to what they are saying! I think the general and his staff forgot that reporters are reporters and like it or not, their job is to tell the world what you are saying and doing.
As a former reporter, I can completely relate to your experience. I'm even more surprised that people would say things, and then ask that the comments be off the record – can't unring that bell! Thanks for commenting.