Hill makes brief appearance in new Michael Moore film

Clark County

Discussion

October 1, 2009

Congressman asked about his votes on banking bailout in documentary

By DANIEL SUDDEATH The News and Tribune Thu Oct 01, 2009, 07:39 PM EDT

Filmmaker Michael Moore’s latest work has a little Southern Indiana flavor to it.

Premiering in theaters today, “Capitalism: A Love Story” focuses on recent government bailouts of failed financial institutions and the plight of blue-collar workers struggling to make ends meet during the recession.

As Moore states on his Web site, www.michaelmoore.com, his goal is “to challenge some fundamental assumptions about an economic system that currently allows the wealthiest 1 percent in this country to have more financial wealth than the bottom 95 percent combined.”

In one scene, Moore stands outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., seeking comments from legislators as they enter and exit congressional chambers for votes. Ninth District Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., happened to be strolling by and was cornered by Moore.

“He asked him about the events leading up to the financial bailout,” Hill spokeswoman Katie Moreau said. “Literally, he was walking up to vote and there’s Michael Moore, in your face with a camera.”

Hill’s cameo lasts less than a minute and the congressman remained on his cell phone with his wife while being questioned by Moore. Parts of the scene were edited into “Capitalism” previews that have been aired on local and national television channels for weeks.

Hill was a good sport about the interview, Moreau said. He explained his votes on the October 2008 banking bailout package to Moore, which was pushed for by then president George Bush.

Hill voted against both versions of the $700 billion plan, though he did support the December automaker bailout.

Being confronted by Moore led to Hill’s silver screen debut, but it’s not the only appearance in front of a camera that has drawn attention to Hill lately.

Videotaped excerpts from a town hall meeting in Bloomington made their way to the popular Web site YouTube recently. The video was shot by an Indiana University student that claimed Hill’s staff gave her permission to film the health care forum. In the video, Hill is stern in asserting control over the town hall meeting.

Hill asked her to stop, as only accredited media were allowed to film the town hall meetings. But the video ended up on YouTube against Hill’s wishes.

Moreau said Hill is taking the recent attention in stride.

“It’s taken him by surprise. He has been used to flying under the radar,” she said.

Hill was invited to a screening of “Capitalism” in Washington but declined to go, Moreau said.

“He’s focused on the stuff with FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency], trying to reverse that decision,” she said, referring to President Barack Obama’s recent denial of federal aid to Indiana flood victims stemming from Aug. 4 rains.