ABC's Jake Tapper Asks Gibbs Why It's Appropriate For White House To Decide Who's A News Org.

Newsbusters.org ^ | 10-20-09 | Noel Sheppard

[Justaham]

On Tuesday, another prominent media member challenged the White House strategy of attacking the Fox News Channel.

This time up at the plate was ABC's Jake Tapper who asked White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs during today's gaggle:

It’s escaped none of our notice that the White House has decided in the last few weeks to declare one of our sister organizations “not a news organization” and to tell the rest of us not to treat them like a news organization. Can you explain why it’s appropriate for the White House to decide that a news organization is not one?

[markomalley]

Anyone have JT’s email address so I can send him a note of encouragement and praise?

He's on Twitter

[chiller]

I could not get through the day without believing that ONE DAY the rest of the media will begin to understand. Tapper gives me hope, but he's alway been more objective than the rest of the compliant old media.

Do you figure the rest of the media shuns Tapper, or gives him some credence? I do know this; when the reality and scope of the scam/coup/theft of the government that Obama has planned becomes evident to the media it will be very ugly for Obie.

That day will come. We're closer to it everyday.

[tioga]

Tapper has taken a step, his first step is a baby step, but it’s in the right direction.

[Soul Seeker]

You haven’t heard of Jake Tapper? The Obama W.H. hates him. LOL But he’s a liberal with a liberal organization. He just refuses to act like 99% of his collegues.

He was hard on Bush too but everyone dismissed it as the usual partisanship. The difference is that he kept it up with the new Liberal administration. Some liberals think he’s doing it to make a name for himself, maybe there is something to that. Some conservatives think now that we have two different administrations to weigh him against that it means the guy really does take his credibility seriously. I don’t know which of these it is. Maybe it’s both. But he’s worth following.

[Nervous Tick]

>> Do you figure the rest of the media shuns Tapper, or gives him some credence?

I have no idea (and no inside information).

But true leaders always pick up like-minded followers. I am optimistic that there are a few in the press corps with a shred of conscience.

[668 - Neighbor of the Beast]

It appears Tapper knows his Niemoller (First they came for the communists...)

[grey_whiskers]

From P.J. O'Rourke's Holidays in Hell:

They [La Prensa] accused us of suppressing freedom of expression. This was a lie and we could not let them publish it. - Nelba Blandon, Interior Ministry Director of Censorship, quoted in The New York Times, 1984

(Note the year, too.)

Cheers!

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Is it just moi....or have HLN gone allllll ‘tabloid-ish’? It’s pretty sick.

[LearsFool]

“Gibbs: You and I should watch sometime around 9 o’clock tonight. Or 5 o’clock this afternoon.”

But the question isn't "Is your decision correct?" It's "Why is it appropriate for the White House to decide?"

Given Gibbs' reply, the question sorta looks like a set-up gimme.

[grey_whiskers]

Spot the difference: Obama Administration, Hugo Chavez Administration.

Hugo weighs more (than Barack). Don't know about Michele.

Cheers!

[1951Boomer]

Furthermore, do all these reporters just willingly throw away all of their journalism school training—you know, all those old notions of objectivity, etc., etc.? I mean, how do they LIVE with themselves. A bunch of toolboxes!

[Yorlik803]

Then Gibbs said...errr...ahhhh..I like french fries.

[libertarian27]

WOW - He’s Twittering away over there....He’s feeling the wrath....they are pounding him.

[reader25]

The White House has determined that Jake Trapper is no longer a journalist and therefore has revoke his Press Pass.

[GOPJ]

It’s escaped none of our notice that the White House has decided in the last few weeks to declare one of our sister organizations “not a news organization” and to tell the rest of us not to treat them like a news organization. Can you explain why it’s appropriate for the White House to decide that a news organization is not one?

Sounds like an old fashioned journalists... nice to know there's still some around.

[Kimberly GG]

If Fox News is not a real news organization, then why hasn’t the White House pulled their press credentials? Why is Major Garrett still coming to the daily briefings?”

Actually, the press credential issue has been addressed, but I can’t remember where I read about it....when asked, one of Obama’s minions said that it wasn’t the job of the WH to pull the passes, but it would be up to the organization of journalists with WH press passes to decide to do it. Can’t remember what the organization’s called. Oh heck, I can’t remember much, just that it was asked and answered. In any event, should the WH decide to pull FOX’s press creds, I think it would backfire big time.

[markomalley]

WOW - He’s Twittering away over there....He’s feeling the wrath....they are pounding him.

Yeah, the left is giving him h3ll for daring to question THE ONE^®™

[magslinger]

I don’t watch alphabet news at home. My wife fears for the safety of the TV.

[Prince of Space]

I don't trust Jake....but any reporter who questions BO and his administration is sticking out their neck these days, sadly. I don't know his motivation but I'm glad someone is finally doing it.

[moose2004]

I agree, thank you.