CBS' Plante: "Dick Cheney Wouldn't Tell Us if Our Shirts were on Fire"

The Early Show/NewsBusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

by Mark Finkelstein

February 14, 2006 - 07:33

Imagine you're a member of the media, and in your heart you believe that a major official wouldn't mind seeing you burn to death. Think that might affect the way you cover him?

A comment this morning by veteran CBS reporter Bill Plante, while perhaps intended to be light-hearted, pulled back the curtain on just how antagonistic the White House press corps believes VP Cheney to be toward them. But more importantly, it suggests how antagonistic they likely feel in return.

The topic was the Veep's accidental shooting of hunting partner Harry Whittington, and more particularly the very contentious press conference yesterday between the White House press corps and presidential spokesman Scott McClellan.

Plante claimed that:

"It's not about us, it's not about the reporters. It's about the fact that the White House is expected to disclose any information about what happens to the President and the Vice-President as soon as they can. In any other White House that I've covered, and that's several as you know, the Vice-President would never have this kind of power [to control the flow of information."

Plante then added his zinger:

"But if it were up to Dick Cheney, he wouldn't tell us if our shirts were on fire, for heaven's sake."

Back in New York, Harry Smith broke into nervous laughter, perhaps aware that Plante had let the cat out of the bag on just how much the White House press corps disdains the Vice-President of the United States.

[johnny7]

...but you'd THINK you could do it! ;)

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

In any other White House that I've covered, and that's several as you know,

Good. Then he'll remember the "old days" when reporters went out and found the stories rather than waited for them to cross the AP wires or fall on their desks.

The Clintoon year helped spoil the journos as the Toons fed them almost every story.

[princess leah]

The real point everyone is missing here is HOW ACCURATE CHENEY IS WITH A GUN - I'd be showing more respect, not less if I were David Gregory or Cheney might just invite him out next on a bird hunting trip!

[Lazamataz]

"Dick Cheney Wouldn't Tell Us if Our Shirts were on Fire"

How would he know?

[hawkaw]

ROTFLMAO

[Wombat101]

No offense, but I get the impression that both Gregory and Plante are actually menstrual, sexually-frustrated women in disguise.

[Dashing Dasher]

CBS' Plante: "Dick Cheney Wouldn't Tell Us if Our Shirts were on Fire"

Sure he would - he'd pee on you too, I'd bet.

LOL!!!!

[fish hawk]

If your shirt was on fire and you didn't know it, you would have to be a dumb liberal. No one else is that stupid.

[colorado tanker]

So, this idiot is saying he would need someone to tell him if his shirt is on fire??? 'Nuf said.

[peacebaby]

excellent point!

[peacebaby]

stop, drop, and

LET'S ROLL!

[Flavius Josephus]

Ah ay'nt never bin huntin' with no ushi!

[Flavius Josephus]

Skeet Gregory and Clay Plante

So what does that make Woodruff?

[<1/1,000,000th%]

I know I wouldn't.

[Flavius Josephus]

I don't feel much when they talk about their own getting wounded or killed. That's because they don't report on the service person standing next to them that also got hit. Plus, they pat themselves on the back so much when it happens that it doesn't mean anything. I feel for the individuals just like for the nameless faceless GIs, but as far as reacting to any of the prop the media puts out regarding it? Fuggedaboutit. I might even make jokes, but that's about the "personality", not the "person".

[snugs]

Can you imagine the next hunting trip he goes on the Veep's handlers are going to have to keep it so close to their chests or else the press will be non stop on about it.

The first thing of course suggesting that after the last incident should not his license be revoked and that will only the be the starter.

[tioga]

The press corps may hate Cheney, but everyday Americans love him. I know I do. :^)

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Burned Shirt Awards for the White House Press Corps dinner this year?

[Allegra]

I wonder if Cheney would put this shirt out if it were on fire?

[Stultis]

It's about the fact that the White House is expected to disclose any information about what happens to the President and the Vice-President as soon as they can.

I guess that does NOT include groping sexual assaults on widows and blow jobs from interns.