Dem Lobbyist Defends Work for Ivory Coast Leader

As reports of human rights violations in the Ivory Coast swirl, a Democratic lobbyist and PR expert continues to work for the incumbent president who refuses to step down despite having lost last month’s election. Why does Lanny Davis stay on the payroll of Laurent Gbagbo, despite “reports of military police literally killing dozens of marchers,” asks Salon? Davis says he’s “agnostic” about the election results, and questions the accuracy of the reports.

Interviewer Justin Elliott points out that those reports come from the New York Times, the AP, and the UN, to name a few. “I would certainly not continue if I had evidence of intentional killing by the military of civilians,” says Davis. “Why don't I resign now based on the New York Times reports? I guess I'd like to know what the New York Times reports are based on. I'd like to see more." He also holds that he has “had some constructive effect” toward a peaceful transition. For more, read the Lanny Davis interview at Salon.
(More Lanny Davis stories.)