by
Wynton Hall
28 Jan 2013, 9:01 AM PDT
191
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In an explosive exchange outside the U.S. Conference of Mayors
meeting in Washington, D.C., security guards for billionaire New York
City Mayor Michael Bloomberg accosted senior Talk Radio Network
investigative reporter Jason Mattera when he asked the mayor about his
strong support for gun control.
In the video, Bloomberg is seen surrounded by security. Mattera
approaches Bloomberg and asks, “In the spirit of gun control, will you
disarm your entire security team?”
Bloomberg’s reply: “Uh, you, we’ll get right back to you.”
“Why can you defend yourself but not the majority of Americans?”
Mattera asks as the mayor walks away. “Look at the team of security
you’ve got. And you’re an advocate for gun control?”
The video then cuts to Mattera walking further down the street when
one of the men guarding Bloomberg, identified as Officer Stockton NYPD,
stops Mattera and asks to see his photo ID.
Mattera complies before asking, “Is this standard procedure for the
press? Wait, wait, wait, it’s standard procedure to be questioning
members of the press?
The officer reaches inside his jacket and grabs a pen, as if to write
down the journalist’s name. “You’re going to write it down now?” asks
Mattera. “Oh, no, sorry,” says Officer Stockton.
The video then cuts to a scene further down the street where Officer
Stockton, trailing Mattera once again, can be heard saying, “Mr.
Mattera, sir? Do you have a date of birth?”
“It’s none of your business what my date of birth is,” Mattera replies.
Mattera’s Jan. 18th on-the-street interview, done in conjunction with Talk Radio Network’s
“The Andrea Tantaros Show,” is not the first time Mattera has received brusque treatment for asking liberal politicians tough questions.
The
two-time New York Times bestselling author’s
past on-the-street interviews have created viral video Internet
sensations. In 2011, Vice President Joe Biden warned Mattera “Let’s get
it straight, guy--don’t screw around with me” when he confronted Biden
about his use of a rape reference when discussing Republican opposition
to President Barack Obama’s “jobs” bill.
The
Washington Post calls Bloomberg “America’s most prominent and deep-pocketed advocate for gun control.”