Romney Campaign Shuts Out Press

Election reporters are used to the Romney campaign's unwillingness to engage, but even they were surprised at the presidential candidate's increased restrictiveness Wednesday. Following a speech in Florida, reporters were blocked from joining the audience or the voter reception line. Members of the media found themselves clashing with campaign aides when they ignored instructions and approached the crowd anyway. The Secret Service insisited they had nothing to do with the restrictions, it was all the campaign. Romney's spokeswoman later insisted—after many an angry tweet from reporters—that "this was an error on the part of the campaign staff and volunteers. We have reminded them that press is allowed on the rope line to record the governor's interactions with voters."