Just The Beginning

Reports are beginning to surface, about the growing frustration of the media trying to gain some access to the new President. It seems that Politico is one of those outlets, affected.

President Obama made a surprise visit to the White House press corps Thursday night, but got agitated when he was faced with a substantive question.

Asked how he could reconcile a strict ban on lobbyists in his administration with a Deputy Defense Secretary nominee who lobbied for Raytheon, Obama interrupted with a knowing smile on his face.

"Ahh, see," he said, "I came down here to visit. See this is what happens. I can't end up visiting with you guys and shaking hands if I'm going to get grilled every time I come down here."

Pressed further by the Politico reporter about his Pentagon nominee, William J. Lynn III, Obama turned more serious, putting his hand on the reporter's shoulder and staring him in the eye.

Alright, come on" he said, with obvious irritation in his voice. "We will be having a press conference at which time you can feel free to [ask] questions. Right now, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself to you guys - that's all I was trying to do."

Maybe it was announced before hand this was just a meet and greet. And maybe it wasn't.

We already know that Team O has certain favorites they like to pick and maybe Politico is soon to be relegated to the status of Fox News, who rarely (if ever) gets to ask a question at a press conference.

But as we look further, we learn that even some mainstream reporters like Bill Plante have had some complaints about access.

A growing media frustration with Barack Obama’s team spilled into the open at Thursday’s briefing, with reporters accusing the White House of stifling access to his oath re-do and giving Obama’s first interview as president to a multi-million dollar inauguration sponsor.

Veteran CBS newsman Bill Plante was one of the most vocal critics, questioning the White House’s handling of Wednesday night’s second swearing in – which was covered by just a four-reporter print pool that didn’t include a news photographer or TV correspondent.

He also asked new press secretary Robert Gibbs why ABC, which paid millions to host the DC Neighborhood Ball, was granted the only inauguration day interview with President Obama – a move he equated to “pay to play.”

“We have a tradition here of covering the president,” said Plante, who is covering his fourth administration.

Presidents get used to it and learn to ignore the questions, when they are not prepared to answer. They WHPC used to shout all kinds of questions to Reagan as would walk to the helicopter or some other destination; he would simply smile and point to his ear, as if he couldn't hear them.

For someone who left no stone unturned when vilifying President Bush for secrecy and not being forthright with the American people, we are seeing some disturbing trends early on. The press always is in question mode, no matter what the occasion. Team O had better get used to it or those who played an enormous integral role in his election could turn on him sooner than anyone expects, making the first 100 days a little rockier than expected.