Press corps writes off complaints by White House

Washington Times ^ | 3/29/03 | Bill Sammon

[kattracks]

The Bush administration yesterday ridiculed the news media for prematurely disparaging the week-old war effort, prompting indignation from reporters who resent being viewed as "silly" by President Bush.

"One week and a few minutes ago, the air war began in Iraq," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told journalists at the Pentagon. "And, interestingly, in that short period of a week, we have seen mood swings in the media, from highs to lows to highs and back again

[Wooly]

Idiots! I fully expect one of these reporters to ask, "Compared to a football game would you say that we are in the 4th quarter? And how much time would you say is remaining in the game? Mr. Rumsfield?"

[Hildy]

They should stop giving press briefings. Fox should be the only network allowed to give out information. The major networks have abused their power.

[Hildy]

In my opinion, Ari Fleischer should be given some kind of medal, because if it were me, I'd be in jail right now for assault with intention to kill. These arrogant Sons of Bitches who ask this guy the most inane and insulting question over and over and over again. He stays as cool as a cucumber. I want to jump into the TV and rip their faces off.

[Texasforever]

What Ari should, but can't, tell them is that we could win the war in about 12 hours but the "compassionate" press would have an aneurism if we did.

[Professional]

Oh, C'mon man!? Don't you remember how tough the media was on the Clintons? Daily they were getting hammered by the press. What color was their favorite, what kind of cookies did she like to bake, what book did she envision writing, how was the cat doing, did they have plans on having children.. it just went on and on. And THAT is why Clinton didn't run for office again. Vicious non partisan media I tell ya!

[yooper]

Silly is as Silly does. Is there not one intelligent reporter out there? The questions this WH press corps asks are transparently stupid. Don't these guys have to go to school or something in order to get smarter? What the hell?! Why are they such boneheads?

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Isn't THAT the truth? Man...

[sydbas]

The media have been disgusting to say the least. They can't stand the thought of President Bush benefiting from a successful war. I really think they have a combined plan to try to knock down the approval ratings for the war little by little so they can start screaming about how it's time to get out. If we just stay strong it won't work.

[Brimack34]

I we there yet. Are we there yet. Someone pull over the car and tell these children we will be there when we are there.

[fporretto]

The inability of the press to appreciate that our pace is being dictated as much by moral scruple as by tactical demands is simply mind-boggling. We could turn all of Iraq into radioactive obsidian with a single flight of B-1s and B-2s -- the whole conflict would be over in a few hours, and all the problems that arose from the Baathist regime would be over forever. Do we get any credit for our immense restraint and concern for the longsuffering Iraqi people? Not one groat.

I've begun to wonder whether reporters should be proscribed from any battle zone in which American forces are operating. At the least, we shouldn't facilitate their drivelous emissions.

Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit the Palace Of Reason:
http://palaceofreason.com

[Cboldt]

The press is in "open mouth, remove all doubt" mode. But, as they regulate how they report on themselves, few members of the public will witness them as the fools they are.

[dennisw]

It's hard to shame these scuzzy reporters and reporterettes because they have no shame and 90% of them vote RAT everytime.

[arasina]

What Ari should, but can't, tell them is that we could win the war in about 12 hours but the "compassionate" press would have an aneurism if we did.

How very true. IMO, the "Shock and Awe" of the war is the precision of the bombing. That they are able to bomb with specific targets without damaging surrounding areas is indeed awesome! Of course, the jaded press don't see it that way.

[WestTexasWend]

The schooling IS the problem, in most cases. Journalism profs are among the most liberal, arrogant, done-nothing-but-know-everything creeps on campus...and many are proudly, blatantly anti-American. When confronted about their outrageous teachings, they wrap themselves in the flag and the First Amendment. They teach opportunism more than objectivity, and it shows in the "reporters" they graduate...garbage in, garbage out.

[Clink]

I would love to be a "fly on the wall" at one of the closed door meetings between Ari, Sec. of Defense and the President to hear what they really think of these nincompoops.

You're correct Hildy, Ari does deserve some kind of award for being able to maintain his composure and, in some cases, keep a straight face when asked asinine questions.

[Carolinamom]

Well, it IS "silly" to ask when will the war be over. The press is so super-sensitive when THEIR ox is gored. I despise them and their self importance.

[Salvation]

Ari Fleischer bump!

He did an excellent job of handling these buffoons.

[Cboldt]

Well, it IS "silly" to ask when will the war be over.

That is charitable. IMO, the questions are driven by an agenda that has ill-intentions toward President Bush and this administration.