Still Moore for 'USA Today' Readers: Filmmaker Still Set to Cover GOP Confab

By: E&P Staff Looks like it's full steam ahead for filmmaker Michael Moore and USA Today.

Despite the decision on July 26 to cancel a guest opinion column by conservative author Ann Coulter -- following an editing dispute over her first submission -- from the Democratic National Convention in Boston, the newspaper told E & P on Wednesday that it still plans to have Moore file a daily Op-ed column from the Republican National Convention in New York City.

Moore told CNN, "I already have my credentials. And so do my 25 bodyguards. Just kidding." Referring to USA Today, he said: "They'll be running my columns, by the way, because I'm willng to work with an editor. You know what happened with Ms. Coulter."

Asked how he thought he'd be received at the GOP gathering, he replied: "I think it will be fine. Are you implying that Republicans are not nice people?"

Moore also said that he would not be endorsing John Kerry, because "I don't think it's my job as a filmmaker to tell people how to vote," and because if Kerry becomes president Moore's critical camera "is going to be pointed at HIM."

USA Today spokesman Steve Anderson said that the paper had "no reservations" about having the controversial "Fahrenheit 9-11" documentary filmmaker put his spin on things for USA Today's readers during the Republican festivities. Moore's columns are slated to appear Aug. 31-Sept. 3.