The New Hampshire Republican Party (NHGOP) recently made headlines when a 15-year-old aspiring journalist named Quinn Mitchell was removed from a political event organized by the party. According to NHGOP spokesman Jimmy Thompson, an overzealous volunteer mistakenly believed that Mitchell was a Democrat tracker and made the decision to have him removed from the event. However, once the incident came to the attention of the NHGOP staff, Mitchell was allowed back into the event to enjoy the rest of the summit.[0]
Mitchell has gained attention for his tough questioning of political figures, particularly Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. In June, Mitchell asked DeSantis if he believed that former President Donald Trump had violated the peaceful transfer of power, a key principle of American democracy.[1] DeSantis responded dismissively, asking Mitchell if he was in high school and failing to provide a substantive answer.
The incident at the NHGOP event occurred on October 13, where almost every Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 election was scheduled to speak.[2] Mitchell was accused of being a disruption and was escorted out of the event by police. The Boston Globe corroborated Mitchell’s account of the incident.[0]
This is not the first time Mitchell has faced pushback for his journalistic pursuits. He has previously reported experiencing “physical intimidation” by members of DeSantis’ security team during a July 4 parade.[3] Mitchell described this as a restriction of free speech and believed that there were individuals in attendance who recognized him and were determined not to back down.[2]
The NHGOP has acknowledged that Mitchell’s removal from the event was a mistake. Thompson stated that an overzealous volunteer had wrongly identified Mitchell as a Democrat tracker, leading to his removal. Once the error was realized, Mitchell was allowed back into the event.
The incident involving Quinn Mitchell highlights the challenges faced by young journalists who ask tough questions and engage in critical reporting. It also raises questions about the importance of free speech and the right to hold political figures accountable. While Mitchell’s removal from the event was ultimately deemed a mistake, it serves as a reminder of the need for respect and openness in political discourse.
Aspiring journalists like Mitchell play a crucial role in our democracy by asking the tough questions and holding those in power accountable. Their dedication to truth and transparency should be celebrated and encouraged, rather than met with intimidation or suppression. The incident at the NHGOP event serves as a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press in our society.
In conclusion, the removal of Quinn Mitchell from the NHGOP event was a mistake made by an overzealous volunteer who wrongly identified him as a Democrat tracker.[4] Mitchell’s dedication to journalism and his willingness to ask tough questions have gained him attention and respect. The incident highlights the importance of free speech and the need to support and encourage young journalists who strive for transparency and accountability in our political system.
0. “Teenage journalist removed from Republican event by police” The Guardian US, 16 Oct. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/16/quinn-mitchell-teen-journalist-new-hampshire-republican
1. “Aspiring Teen Reporter Who Made Ron DeSantis Uncomfortable With a Simple Question Thrown Out of GOP Event” Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2023, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/10/quinn-mitchell-new-hampshire-gop-event
2. “Who is Quinn Mitchell? 15-year-old teen reporter goes viral after getting thrown out of GOP event for making Ron DeSantis ‘squirm'” Sportskeeda, 16 Oct. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/who-quinn-mitchell-15-year-old-teen-reporter-goes-viral-getting-thrown-gop-event-making-ron-desantis-squirm
3. “A 15-year-old aspiring journalist who had made Ron DeSantis squirm with his questioning was thrown out of a GOP event by police” Yahoo News, 15 Oct. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/15-old-aspiring-journalist-had-151852935.html
4. “Republicans eject 15-year-old political junkie from campaign event” The Washington Post, 16 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/10/16/teenager-new-hampshire-republican-event-ejected
