Don’t Disrespect The Media

One of his last acts as a public figure was one of his most disgraceful. Bob Stefanowski, the failed Republican candidate for governor, had established himself as no friend of the press throughout his campaign. He refused to speak to reporters. He declined invitations to speak to various editorial boards, including The Courant’s. He skipped out on an interview with WNPR at the last minute.

But then, on election night, his campaign tried to bar a Hearst Media reporter from Republican election headquarters in Rocky Hill.

Reporter Kaitlyn Krasselt took to Twitter: “Just arrived at the GOP HQ in Rocky Hill. Am told ‘Hearst Media is not welcome,’ as directed by the @bobforgovernor campaign and was asked to leave.”

She and a photographer were soon let in, but the episode was chilling. Mr. Stefanowski was taking a cue from the president and spreading a toxic attitude.

President Donald Trump, fond of referring to media as “the enemy of the people,” had a CNN reporter’s White House press credentials revoked after a heated exchange at a press conference Wednesday. Yes, Jim Acosta was aggressive in demanding answers to his questions. But Mr. Trump crossed a line by barring the reporter from the White House.

We are deeply troubled by the ease with which some political leaders think they can silence the voices of those they don’t like. Fortunately, the media aren’t easily muzzled in this nation.