I’m not arguing for censorship; I’m arguing for editorial decision making. I believe strongly in the First Amendment. I believe in freedom of the press, even when I don’t agree with the press. But if a news organization is judged by what it covers, it should also be judged by what it chooses not to cover. Sometimes turning the camera off is the most responsible decision.
When a conversation is deemed off the record, it means the journalist won’t report any salient facts that are discussed. It does not mean that the reporter must take a vow of silence if the other person in the room becomes abusive or threatening or worse. Pompeo seems to believe it gives him the right to do anything and say anything without fear of reprisal. He is wrong.
I suspect Lewandowski doesn’t trust anyone who gives him a seat at the table, because he understands that inviting him into the group devalues the group. He doesn’t want to be a part of any club that will have him.