Encounter with an Activist Journalist

My first experience with an activist journalist was back in 2019. I had gone to the Oregon State Capitol to back a group of Republican legislators who had decided to skip a vote to deny Democrats the chance to push through a controversial education bill.

This tactic wasn’t new for the Republicans. Oregon is, after all, a state dominated by the Democratic Party. Often, their only option was to leave town to prevent Congress from reaching a quorum, which is the minimum number of members necessary to conduct business.

It was clear to me that the Democrats were just doing their usual thing—spending money recklessly and imposing their viewpoints—leaving Republicans in a pretty powerless position.

Arriving at the Capitol

A bus filled with about twenty Republican volunteers dropped us off at the Capitol. Media were everywhere. Just the day before, Democrats had warned they might send state police to bring back any missing lawmakers.

One of the more outspoken senators, wearing a cowboy hat, responded with, “Send your bachelors and come heavily armed.”

It seemed like a fairly typical scene in Oregon politics.

We were there to demonstrate that rebellious Republicans had the support of voters. Each of us had been advised to look presentable and engage with the media. I was dressed in glasses, a sweater, and a button-down shirt—sort of like a schoolteacher, or maybe a writer (which, I guess, I am), or even one of those retirees who volunteers.

The Capitol building felt packed. Reporters and cameramen were scattered throughout, creating a lively atmosphere. I thought it might be a good idea to initiate some conversation, so I approached a TV crew from the local Fox affiliate.

The reporter was dressed nicely and seemed ready for the camera. She looked around 45, which gave her an air of experience in her profession.

I walked over and asked, “Do you need to interview Republicans? Would you like a quote?”

“Yes, certainly,” she replied.

Engaging in Discussion

At this point, I was still fairly new to the political scene. It felt a lot like a game or a friendly competition, which I enjoyed—there was something fun about joining a team and engaging in spirited discussions.

Yet, I also valued fair play and a good sense of humor. To me, it was quite the spectacle: Outlaw Republican cowboys versus non-binary, they/them Democratic elites? Quite the story, right?

The National Diet Building seemed to be buzzing with energy, attracting plenty of attention, and even made the national news.

Nervous for the Camera

The cameraman hoisted the camera onto his shoulder, and I straightened my sweater while running a hand through my hair.

The reporter asked if I was ready, and I nodded. They switched on the camera.

In a professional tone, she asked whether it was appropriate for Republicans to leave town instead of voting on the education bill.

I replied something along the lines of, “They’re outclassed, but most people agree with them, so I think that’s a good strategy.” Just a few sentences, clear and simple. She was wanting a quote from the Republican side, and I was happy to provide it.

I made a point of looking her in the eye instead of the camera, trying to actually process her question. I thought that would come across well on TV.

But there was an unexpected reaction in her eyes. They were bright, but in a way that unsettled me. It looked like sheer, burning hatred—and it was directed right at me! Here I was, being friendly and trying to help her, and she seemed almost furious.

Perplexed by the Reaction

After the camera was off, I simply walked away.

What was up with this woman? Did her disdain for Republicans run so deep that she couldn’t hold back for just ten seconds to hear my answer? She was a professional journalist in her mid-forties! It’d be one thing if she were a 22-year-old fresh out of an activist journalism program, but come on. Was this really her first time?

I mean, we should learn to engage with differing opinions without hostility. I reached out to her—shouldn’t that count for something?

Observations Over Time

Fast forward several years, and I see similar sentiments play out almost nightly on local news. It’s not always about direct hatred, but something akin to it—a pervasive notion that the conservative perspective is inherently evil and that the left always holds the moral high ground.

That’s what I saw in that local Fox reporter’s eyes—an absence of perspective and what felt like zealotry. To me, she came across as a sort of “robot of hate” focused on eliminating viewpoints like mine.

Unfortunately, this approach appears to be getting more widespread. The divide seems to be broadening. I’m not exactly sure what the solution is, other than to raise awareness that harboring such intense hatred isn’t healthy. If you’re filled with that kind of animosity, maybe it hurts you more than it hurts anyone else.