Press conferences: who can call them and why... (can Edwards?)

[wildflower]

I'm trying to figure out what the protocol is for calling a press conference.

I hadn't thought Kerry could. I thought only the president and maybe certain other people in case of an emergency or big news could do so.

It occurred to me, since Edwards isn't being covered by the press, perhaps he could call a press conference? Is this possible?

And who makes the call about whether a network should cover one?

-wildflower

ON EDIT: Just heard John Edwards will be on Franken's show...?!?!

[ProdigalJunkMail]

1. you can call a press conference if you like

doesn't mean anyone will show...but call away. No real restrictions on a press conference as it is really just an invite to the press to cover what you want to talk about...

theProdigal

[wildflower]

3. Really? So it's basically up to the media then?

In that case I'm amazed they've been covering JK conferences.

So basically, if I have this right: I can contact all the media and say, "I'm going to stand outside my house in front of a podium tomorrow at 9:00 AM and talk about my love of strawberries." Then they decide whether they want to come and film/photograph/write about me.

Maybe some high-profile people like Moore, Dean, Clark, Richard Clarke, Hersch, and others should call some press conferences?

-wildflower

[ProdigalJunkMail]

4. yep...you could even contact the Strawberry Advisory Board

and they might come, too. And the people you mention, I am sure most of them have either had press conferences or at least press releases related to their favorite topics of discussion.

theProdigal

[eyesroll]

2. Anyone can call a press conference.

I can call one, you can call one.

It's a matter of who shows up, though -- obviously, if the president calls one, people will show up. If Laci Peterson's family spokesperson calls one, people will show up.

If Kerry calls one, people will show up as well.

If you or I do, though...good luck.

[wildflower]

5. Maybe Edwards should have called one to denounce

what Cheney said? I remember he replied forcefully to that (as did a lot of people) but it didn't seem to get a lot of coverage.

-wildflower