Miami has some of the most interesting politicians in the nation, some of whom are sharp as razors when it comes to tussling with the press.
Consider this exchange with Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who took a chuckle as a sign of "advocacy" against his statements about President Obama's foreign policy as it relates to Libya and the killing of Osama bin Laden. The laugh was more an expression of surprise Diaz-Balart wasn't giving any credit to Obama without strings attached.
The fun starts at 3:28 or so, Diaz-Balart says:"I applaud President Obama for doing two things: for keeping the policies of the Bush administration...."
At that point, I chuckle.
Diaz-Balart: "You laugh. Are you a reporter or a debater?"
Game on. Listen to the rest. And welcome to covering politics in Miami. (Note: This cuts off before a relatively dull discussion about reapportionment and retrogression. Also, though we've occasionally spoken by phone, Diaz-Balart hasn't physically seen me since 2002 when I barely covered him in the Legislature for the Palm Beach Post).
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