Mark Tapscott writes about the press corps that covers environmental stories.

It’s been years since former Vice President Al Gore took questions from journalsts willing to ask challenging and probing questions about either alleged flaws in the evidence for his global warming views or details of his financial interests in the adoption of government policies based on those views.

But for at least one question at the annual conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), Gore was presented with an opportunity to address his critics and defend his views.

Unfortunately, as this video of the encounter shows, not only did Gore do what politicians usually do – evade the question – but his SEJ buddies made sure there would be no followup questions by turning off the microphone and forcing the questioner to leave.

For those who didn’t know — I did not– Gore  sponsors propaganda training courses.

In a nod to a local supporter, Gore recognized former UW-Madison professor Henry Hart, who attended the speech and at 93 is the oldest person to have been trained to present the climate change slide show featured in Gore’s film.

“You are really an inspiration to me,” Gore said.