White House Press Secretary Quotes
The George W. Bush administration became notorious for its deception of Congress, the Press and the public. In particular, the administration would develop elaborate scenarios of conditions in the world and develop military and foreign policy responses to them. Soon, it became clear that the scenario upon which the policy and action had been based, was inaccurate—a fantasy to begin with. There has been much debate whether the scenarios were deliberate lies to drum up political support for the administration or just errors of judgment based on bad intelligence. Snow, had to go out and maintain the scenarios even after it became clear that they had been fantasies.
Fleischer had asked that the White House be given advance notice of any stories the New York Times might be covering in the future dealing with national security. As outlandish as this request may seem given the first amendment, it is a good illustration of the level of concern and panic of the George W. Bush White House who saw the situation as so fearful that that they initiated many constitutionally questionable practices. See {642527} for Fleischer’s request. New York Times has had a practice over the years of holding stories then they were persuaded that damage to the nation or to individuals would ensue as the result of publication at that time. However, the government has at times abused this policy as in the Pentagon Papers Case.
This began after the White House daily press briefings started to be televised. Many reporters do not want their network or station to broadcast the question and answer where another reporter asked the question. So he or she asks the same question and uses that video on their news broadcast where the public is not only provided with the question and answer, but is reminded of how the reporter is doing his/her job. It would be easy for the Press Secretary to refuse to answer a question that has already been asked and answered, but most press secretaries understand the dynamics of modern journalism and go along with the repetition to help the reporters out.
George W. Bush. Raines refused. See {642528}.
