By LEONARD GRAY

There’s an old saying that the only way a reporter should look at a politician is down. While that’s not strictly true or advisable, it certainly helps keep things in perspective.

There’s a couple of stories I enjoy telling. Ask most newspaper reporters and they all love telling stories. It’s a large part of why we’re in this business. To be even-handed, one is about a Democrat and the other is a Republican.

Once, this candidate for the U.S. Senate came calling at my office, ready for a scheduled interview. I had met the person before and it was easy and comfortable. As a candidate cannot go anywhere without an entourage, they were spilling out into the lobby.

I noticed during the interview a sprinkling of white flakes on the candidate’s shoulders. As I went th rough m y prepared questions, I debated with myself – should I say anything? Should I use it in my story?

I turned it over a few times in my mind, then decided instead of embarrassing the candidate face to face, I’d slip the word to one of the entourage. I did so and I haven’t seen that candidate wear black since that day.

The other was a candidate for governor some time back. I was at the opening rally with thousands of well-wishers. The candidate was trumpeting American jobs and American goods and slashing imports. I looked closely at the American flag in my hand, given to me as to the other few thousand present. Prominently displayed were the words, “Made in Taiwan.”

Again, I took the same approach and pointed out the potential embarrassment to a member of the entourage and didn’t use it in the story.

Was it wrong for me to leave those tidbits out? I don’t think so. I saved them a little embarrassment and saved a good contact who KNOWS my name.

That works for me.

LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur.