Republicans kill C-SPAN cameras during rules debate

[Behind the Aegis]

It's been only a few days since C-SPAN broadcast a near fistfight on the floor of the House of Representatives. As Republicans debate the rules package on Monday, C-SPAN was cut.

Once the House gavels in, the majority controls the cameras in the House. In this case, the Republicans decided C-SPAN could go.

It isn't the first time it has happened since the non-profit, public service network began in 1979. It came after days of debate over whether Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) would ultimately be declared the speaker.

"I think it is — what the American people were able to see unfold on the floor was a good thing for our democracy and our republic, right?” Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) told Jake Tapper on Sunday.

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So it begins...

[blogslug]

1. Just to clarify

C-SPAN will still broadcast both the House and the Senate. They just won't have control of where the cameras point to. They have to go back to a two-camera, stationary setup where one is aimed at the dais and the other camera does a basic overhead shot. This has been the process ever since C-SPAN began. Congress controls the cameras. C-SPAN only has free reign right before the new House and Senate are sworn in.

I would love for C-SPAN to have control over their cameras. But they will still broadcast both the House and the Senate. They aren't shutting down or anything like that.

[SunSeeker]

2. Republicans scream for transparency, except when it comes to anything they do.

[Pachamama]

3. Democracy does die in darkness

The Republicans want that

[Hekate]

7. Yes they do

[Walleye]

4. If they were normal people they would be ashamed of their behavior the other night

But they’re not ashamed at all, it’s just bad PR

[Vinca]

5. Wouldn't want to capture any more pictures of guys with bad wigs fighting.

[BWdem4life]

6. Personally I'd love to see the cameras go altogether

No more reason for grandstanding.. something productive might actually happen.