Stephanopoulos Touts 'Political Message' of 'Daring,' 'Passionate' Pilot Protester

[See NewsBusters for more.] George Stephanopoulos and the crew of Good Morning America on Monday hailed the "political statement" of a "daring," "passionate" pilot who landed his gyrocopter on the grounds of the Capitol last week in order to lobby for campaign finance reform. At no time in the segment did Stephanopoulos refer to Doug Hughes as "liberal."  Instead, as he interviewed the postal worker, the GMA host offered softballs such as this one: "Why did you become so passionate about the issue of money in politics? And why did you think this was the best way to bring attention to it?" As though he was talking to a celebrity, instead of a man who violated federal airspace, Stephanopoulos gushed, "What's next for you?"