DEMOCRATS: Lack of coverage disappoints

I was disappointed to find no coverage in The Press of the Democrats’ Democracy Dinner on Feb. 21 or the GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 28.

Historically, The Press has covered both gatherings. They are the most important local mid-winter political events. Reporting on them would offer readers a vital, side-by-side look at the diverging values of our parties. 

By focusing instead on the never-ending friction within the Republican Party, The Press missed a chance to highlight the startling contrast in leadership, priorities, and character between the parties.

The Democrats hosted Dr. David Adler, a distinguished Constitutional scholar. Dr. Adler provided a rigorous analysis of Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address. Lincoln warned Americans that the greatest danger to democracy comes from within our nation. Echoing Lincoln, Dr. Adler called on us to take a stand against “the increasing disregard for law which pervades the country.”

In stark contrast, the Republicans hosted Matt Gaetz, a former congressman whose career ended under a cloud of ethics investigations and credible allegations of serious misconduct. Television reported that hundreds gathered outside his hotel to protest Gaetz during his visit.

The public deserves to know whom our local parties invite to speak. When one side elevates a defender of the Bill of Rights and the other hosts a disgraced politician, that is news.

By only reporting on the split within the GOP, The Press appears to shield the GOP from this more uncomfortable comparison.

Our community deserves better than a news blackout on events that could define our future.

EVAN KOCH
1st Vice-Chair, Idaho Democratic Party