DISQUS

Mooney · 3 years ago

Yikes! A political scientist's worst nightmare- to be discussed by practicing politicos in print (sort of). I understand the disdain in which people who are actually working in the trenches often hold those of us who simply observe the process, but let me give you a little bit of insight into what we're up to.

Bascially, we are teachers, trying to communicate the collected wisdom of our profession (such as it is) to our students. But reporters sometimes needs someone to say what they know is true but they can't simply write themselves. Professors are easy sources, since we all think we know everything, we're easy to find, and we don't have any dog in anybody's fight. When I started out in the business, I avoided talking to journalists because I knew I had no special insider knowledge. I still make it clear to journalists that I don't necessarily know a lot about specific races, bills, etc. But what I think we can sometimes offer is a broader perspective, a longer-range perspective, a perspective that might include information about how things are done in other states, and other deas that reporters may not get elsewhere. In short, I think about this just like I do teaching-- trying to get some information out there about general principles that maybe helps my students (or newspaper readers) understand what's going on a little better.

Of course, as we all know, you can't control how you are quoted in the papers or in what context. But in general, I think it's better to have some of us in the discussion rather than leave it only to interest group advocates or political folks who, while they certainly know more than we do on specific cases and maybe even in general, have a political interest in the story.

OK, now I'll shut up and duck...

Fantasy Team Owner · 3 years ago

These "experts" make me laugh.

It's like saying a fantasy baseball team owner could take a job as a third base coach. There's a big difference between knowing how often Pujols strikes out and trying to hit a Kenny Rogers pitch (pine tar or not).

Usually these experts are "disgusted" by the use of negative mail or the amount of money thrown into these races.

Chris' Mother · 3 years ago

I know Chris to be a fine boy. Now you leave him alone, Rich Miller, and go back to picking on Rod Blagojevich!

A 15 year lobbyist · 3 years ago

Rich - This is pretty funny when you stop to think about it. AP decided to proclaim Mooney an expert and you took issue with it (for the record I know his name but have never met him or seen him around the rail).

You consulted 15 people you consider to be experts, but who's to say your judgement is any better than AP's (I do trust your judgement, but I'm trying to make a philosophical point here).

At least AP disclosed their expert source and we readers can form our own opinion of his credibility own. Not knowing who your sources are, how do we evaluate their credibility to be able to evaluate Mooney's?

I think you now need to disclose this gang of 15 and let the rest of us vote as to whether we think they are experts or not.

I consider myself an expert yet I wasn't one of your 15. How is that supposed to make me feel! (I guess I am questioning you judgement after all).

Obviously this could be carried out through lots of iterations, but you get the point.

Reddbyrd · 3 years ago

Come now Rich let's get real.
The University's self proclaimed Center for Legislative studies is just that self proclaimed. Just because they dreamed up a name is no reason to think they know anything.
In Mooney's case there is no real evidence he ever really worked for the government or was part of a campaign ---- His resume does show what appears to be a non academic govt job in Wisconsin about twenty years ago.
Wonder if he will ever show up now?
Nice job of pointing out the flim flam and how the media uses these "experts" when there are no facts to support conclusions they want to reach.

GO CARDS!

Rich Miller · 3 years ago

Lobbyist, if I disclosed their names, they'd kill me. lol

Tessa · 3 years ago

I just appreciate that he, Mooney, came on here and explained how he distinguishes himself from people who practice politics on a regular basis. So, in his field of teaching, he's an expert that people can talk to and then there are political experts who work IN politics who give their views.

Kinda balances things out.....sometimes.

I'd give a shout out to my favorite lobbyist, Rich, but he'd kill me if I used his name. He's got killer moves on a dance floor and a voice that could hypnotize most women........oops, got lost for a second there. Not supposed to do that when speaking politics.

Josie · 3 years ago

You don't think a professor is an expert? I do know Chris personally, and he would be one of the first people I talk to if I need an expert's opinion. I would think that a person who is not in the middle of the fray would have a less biased opinion.

Rich Miller · 3 years ago

Josie, since you're posting from UIS I assume you would go to a professor if you needed an expert.