The intrepid crew from The Uptake hit another bump in the transparency world this week when the Edina Chamber of Commerce banned all video and audio recording from Wednesday’s debate between candidates Erik Paulsen and Jim Meffert.
But it’s not a major hurdle for The Uptake folks, who have covered and shared a daunting roster of candidate forums, debates, town meetings and more during campaign 2010.
When the dust settles it will be interesting to learn just how many miles they’ve covered, camera in hand – From the Clinton visit to Blaine and Obama’s U of M appearance over last weekend to La Asamblea de Derechos Civiles in South Minneapolis, Farm Fest, the rambunctious Oberstar/Cravaak debate in Duluth and scores of other sites. The Uptake crew covers the event live if possible, then records and posts the full program on their Web site when possible. They even offer fact check back-up that is endlessly illuminating.
On Tuesday The Uptake provided live coverage of the much-vaunted debate between Michele Bachmann and Tarryl Clark that took place in St. Cloud. The enterprising Uptakers suggested that viewers watch the debate live from their home or office, then contribute the cost of the gas saved to The Uptake.
At this point in the campaign every Minnesotan is burned out on sound bites and TV spots well-funded by a mix of vested interests. The would-be informed voter might do well to take a breath, settle into an easy chair, and take time to view and listen to the candidates themselves – uninterrupted, on the spot, recorded by The Uptake.
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