Vice President Pence. (Michael Conroy/Associated Press)Speaking in front of Washington's top political journalists a few days ago, Vice President Pence said he is — and has always been — an advocate of a free and independent press. But while Pence does have a track record of supporting a free press and the First Amendment, that record is tainted and his stance on the public's right to know has become muddled, critics say. “The cost of public records should never be a barrier to the public's right to know,” Pence said in a statement. The Free Flow of Information Act is not about protecting reporters; it is about protecting the public's right to know.”Although Pence has had “run-ins” with advocates of a free press and open government, “his actions have always been favorable,” Key said.

Source: Washington Post March 08, 2017 13:49 UTC