Complaints about Pints & Politics ring hollow

Reading the recent letter to the editor from area GOP leaders arguing that The Gazette is not to be trusted I was reminded of a Bruce Willis line in the movie “The Kid.”

“Aw, somebody call a waah-mbulance.”

For the record, having worked for The Gazette for nearly 28 years, including 23 years covering politics (including interviewing at least two of the letter writers), I have a strong pro-Gazette bias.

Also, for the record, I think inviting a political candidate to speak at Pints & Politics was a bad idea.

However, it is beyond rich that GOP leaders complain that a candidate for the state’s highest political office was given an opportunity to speak to voters when Republican candidates have been avoiding meeting voters. They have been avoiding debates, choosing not to host town hall meetings and declining invitations to address thousands of potential voters when they refuse to meet with The Gazette editorial board and respond to candidate questionnaires.

I was a part of Pints & Politics from the beginning until I retired in 2022. We did invite Republicans — and Democrats — as well as those with no party affiliation to join a somewhat lighthearted discussion of politics while enjoying an adult beverage.

We reached out to party leaders and activists, inviting them to join us for some political fun. At The Gazette, our intention never was to have a one-sided conversation. Instead, we wanted to foster discussion in a friendly, nonthreatening setting.

If they participated, these GOP leaders could have confronted Sand, who is inviting dialogue as he campaigns. If they had attended they would know multiple viewpoints are offered at Pints & Politics.

If they participated, they would have had an opportunity to share their ideas with others. As that eminent political philosopher Woody Allen said: “Ninety percent of success in life is just showing up.”

James Q. Lynch is a longtime Gazette journalist and political reporter. He lives in Elgin, Ill.