2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Read the Tweets from the Media Director of Netroots Nations. He knew this would happen. [View all]HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)I didn't watch, so I'm trying to understand based on the comments. It sounds like NN host lost control of the event. Sanders and OMalley were shouted down, not permitted to respond by the protestors. What, are they expected to shout back? As near as I can tell, the candidates handled the disruption as diplomatically as possible.
While I agree with the protestor's agenda, the manner of their protest makes them look like an unruly mob. That gives them a black eye, and hurts their cause. And NN also deserves a black eye. If the protestor's had approached them in advance for booth space and speaking time, that should have been arranged. If NN was unaware the protest was going to occur, then it appears security was lacking. The people who really got screwed were the attendees who were there to listen to the candidates, and were unable. Are they going to be sympathetic to the protestor's? Are they ever going to attend another NN event? Is NN going to gain in credibility? I'd say the answer to all is no.