Cementing his vaunted image as "the most transparent Administration in history" Obama is holding his first full White House Press Conference in about 9 months.
The reinstatement of the ancient practice of "press conferences," the mainstream media acted with shock and surprise. They've been used to regurgitating White House press releases,and flyspecking interviews the President has given with "People Magazine" and "Entertainment Tonight."
CNN's Stephanie Cutter was asked whether Obama’s interviews with “Entertainment Tonight” and "People magazine" were on the same level as a formal press conference. “I don’t think that they’re more important. But I think they’re equally important,” Cutter said. “I think that’s where a lot of Americans get their news. And I think the president’s going to continue doing that.”
Calls to the White House as to why the resurrection of the all but extinct White House Press Conference, in light of the ample availability of equally valuable interviews with pop culture and celeb magazines, have gone unanswered.
Reporters were seen getting in line to present their questions to Press Secretary Gibbs for pre-screening. As such, we can be sure that the White House will select the most probing and poignant questions in order to ensure the greatest amount of transparency.
