So, have you ever left a voicemail on someone’s phone and forgot to hang up afterward, then said something that you immediately regretted?
Well, that’s pretty much what happened to a Michigan reporter, on Monday, when she contacted Republican Senate Nominee John James.
Brenda Battel, a staff writer for the Huron Daily Tribune, called James’ campaign office to set up a post-election interview with him. She left a message on the phone and thinking she hung up, she began to express her personal thoughts on the Republican Senate Nominee:
“Man, if he beats her… Jesus! F***ing John James! Whew, that would suck! I don’t think it’s going to happen though."
James’ is in a tight battle with long-time Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow. His campaign manager, Tori Sachs, expressed her frustration with the media’s desire to protect the politicians who have been in power. In a statement to The Daily Caller she said:
“It shows you that some media will do anything to keep the status quo and career politicians in power,” campaign manager Tori Sachs said. “The liberal media can’t stand the idea of a job creator and combat veteran coming to Washington to shake up the system. This happened as we closed in within the margin of error.”
Battel was reportedly fired after the Huron Daily Tribune got wind of her misconduct.
"I have listened to the voicemail left by Brenda Battel to Mr. James' campaign, and find no reason to defend this behavior," said Kate Hessling, editor of the Huron Daily Tribune. "Brenda Battel's employment has been immediately terminated.
"The Huron Daily Tribune sincerely apologizes to Mr. James and to the public. These statements do not represent the views of the Tribune as a whole, nor do they reflect the actions of a responsible journalist."
Take a listen to the voicemail Battel left James’ campaign office:
H/T: The Daily Caller