No Talk Express?

[bigtree]

Relations between John McCain and the press corps that was once described as his "base" have fully deteriorated. After an appearance in Strongsville, Ohio, on Tuesday, the Senator blissfully ignored questions about the bailout plan from nearby reporters, prompting one journalist to scream out: "Has your bus become the No Talk Express?"

McCain offered a smirk at the line but kept on walking. "Ok, pool, back to the vans!" said an aide. "That was fun."


watch: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/23/press-frustration-with-mc_n_128607.html


The outburst came as the press pool accompanying vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin nearly revolted on Tuesday, after the campaign banned reporters from covering her first meetings with world leaders, in favor of photographers and a singular television news crew.

Reporters have also sharply criticized the GOP ticket for avoiding questions from the Fourth Estate. It's been 40 days since the Senator has taken a question from a national reporter, though word leaked out today that McCain is planning his first press conference since August 13. Gov. Sarah Palin, meanwhile, has yet to host a press availability.

"The woman seeking to be to a heartbeat away from the presidency without ever holding a press conference remains on the same relatively unaccountable path," ABC's Jake Tapper wrote on his blog. "McCain-Palin campaign officials apparently feel the American people should trust her with the button and the world's financial markets without ever taking questions from reporters."


HuffPo: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/23/press-frustration-with-mc_n_128607.html

[pinto]

1. Ha. Good one.

[bigtree]

2. "he'll get back to you"

On Monday, the McCain campaign slammed the New York Times as being pro-Obama, continuing the campaign's penchant, dating back to several convention speeches that did so, for blasting the mainstream media, At this point, it's been almost 11 weeks since the national press was invited to hitch a ride with McCain, with multiple reporters pinpointing July 9 as the last such day.

During that outing, Los Angeles Times reporter Maeve Reston asked McCain about a comment by adviser Carly Fiorina criticizing insurance companies for covering Viagra but not birth control. McCain said he didn't want to discuss it, and after eight seconds of uncomfortable silence-captured on video by another reporter on the bus and uploaded straight to YouTube-he told Reston he'd have to get back to her.


National reporters vary in their levels of grief.

"Some have come to acceptance," said one, while others continue "trying to figure out how to gain some access."

In recent days, reporters on the bus have complained more openly to McCain staffers. And in their stories - and especially in their blog posts - reporters increasingly complain about their lack of access to the candidate.

But since limiting press availability, McCain has climbed higher in the polls and now stays on message more effectively, leading to an “if-it-ain't-broke” mindset among his advisers . . .

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13786.html