Question H

[Jonetta]

Scotty comes home from school asking what does it mean about them having “real kids.” This is a repercussion from the television reporter asking Sam that question in the last book during a press conference. Sam and Nick decide to go drop in on the reporter at the television station. Nick handles the conversation with Kayla Owen, the reporter who actually appeared to be deeply regretful, so much so that Nick agrees to an impromptu interview on air. He also announces his decision not to run. Your thoughts about the whole thing…dropping in, forgiving the reporter, giving her not only the interview but an exclusive?

[Anita]

This was such a BS situation. This would never have really happened. I used to work with middle schoolers, they couldn't care less about this stuff.

The reporter was insensitive, absolutely. Nick and Sam handled the situation with dignity and class.

[Jonetta]

I loved how Nick handled the conversation with the reporter. He didn’t go for blood, just expertly illustrated how words matter and the damage she’d done. No snark anywhere.

DC is a real gossipy town and so many work in the government. I could see kids mimicking what their parents talk about in front of them. I was the kid who could have cared less about adult conversation; my sister made it her mission to eavesdrop!

[Sharon]

I know kids can be cruel.

I love the way Nick and Sam handled the situation.

[Lauren]

I don't agree with how Nick and Sam handled the situation. Confronting her started well, but then they caved and fell for her clearly self-serving apology?! Rewarding a self-absorbed hack journalist with an exclusive after she did real harm to their son does not sit well with me.

[Sharon]

Lauren wrote: "Rewarding a self-absorbed hack journalist with an exclusive after she did real harm to their son does not sit well with me."

Good point. I didn't think about the exclusive when I thought about this question.

[Lauren]

Sharon wrote: "Good point. I didn't think about the exclusive when I thought about this question."

It stuck with me because I don't like the "redeemed character" theme and Darren also called Sam out on it. He has been a good friend and an honest reporter, so the exclusive grated on him and me! Lol!

[Sharon]

They did wrong by snubbing Darren with the exclusive.

[Anita]

I'm sure that Sam will make it up to Darren. He has been a good reporter to have around.

[Lauren]

Sharon wrote: "They did wrong by snubbing Darren with the exclusive."

I know! I was so angry on his behalf!

[Robin]

Nick called the station after the reporter asked Sam the question in the last book. I'm sure he talked to either her or her boss about the situation. Yes, kids are asking Scotty similar questions that they obviously heard from either the TV or their parents. But I thought Nick and Sam going to the station to confront the reporter was overkill.