The White House bubble

Posted: Friday, February 13, 2009 11:18 AM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Obviously, I'm one of the newbies here in the White House press corps, so maybe I'm unfamiliar with the ways of how this place works. I have to say, nothing is more frustrating than covering an actual event here at the White House if you at all believe in anything remotely having to do with the First Amendment.

For instance, today, the president gave a speech in the East Room to the business council, an audience of dozens of CEOs and major business leaders in America. As per usual, we're allowed to watch the event behind a ropeline. Ok, standard procedure for any event for any candidate, let alone a president. But unlike public events, here at the White House, when the event ends, we get no access to the audience unless the audience happens to amble up to the ropeline and chat with the press.

Today, it was so bad that we were kept behind closed doors so that these CEOs and other business leaders could leave without accidentally mingling with us poor press peons. Once the CEOs were clear and escorted downstairs, then we were let out of our East Room pen. And it's not like we could rush over to the east side of the White House and find anyone left to interview about their role on this business council. By the time, a member of the press leaves out the one exit they can come in and out of, those guys and gals would be history. I'm sure most of them had cars at the ready to quickly get them to their next meeting.

When asked about why we were kept from mingling with the CEOs, the White House press office said it was simply a crowd issue, they didn't want us and the CEOs to be bumping into each other. Yes, there's a possibility that we could hold each other up from moving, creating some hallway gridlock. But we're all grown-ups and it's not like we're a crowd of thousands or even hundreds.

Seriously, is this the picture the White House wants? CEOs who come to the people's house and then get rushed out so they don't have to deal with press questions?

This beat has a lot of limitations; security takes precedent over access to much of the inner-workings of this place and it's understandable in many instances. But public events like the one the president held today ought to allow the press a tad more access to these guests who are apparently involved in some of the people's business of the day. Just because a previous admin has "always done it this way" doesn't mean it's the way things should continue to be done.

Message control is something every White House wants but sometimes when a White House attempts to control a message too much, they can irritate the press to the point that we all stop even paying attention to their message of the day. Just ask the previous occupant.

*** UPDATE, RESPONSE TO COMMENTORS: "This isn't about us not having access, this is about ANYONE having access... if it's NOT us, it's the public!...Beat us up all you want, but this isn't about us whining, it's about us not even being able to do the job you want us to do and that is be the people's questioner here. But, of course, having a respectable debate on this issue with some is impossible. The irony, of course, is that many of you would be just as upset about the lack of access as I am if the occupant of the White House were someone else.

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Comments

WHO CARES????????????????????

Nj (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:42 AM)

...if you at all believe in anything remotely having to do with the First Amendment.
____________

Chuck,
I don't disagree with you; however, the first amendment may guarantee freedom of speech/press but it does not have anything to do with making people talk to the press.

Remotely or not...1st amendment not being violated...KS (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:45 AM)

Chuck, welcome to the real world of Obama-nation.

"DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO"

Make sure you hit the bathroom before entering the pen and take snacks along in case you get hungry.

Censorship in the form of physical media manipulation? Would expect something like that from a republican administration, right?

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:47 AM)

Hmmm.... Here's a thought experiment. You obtain a list of the CEOs and others present. I think the White House would have given you that. Then you use "teh Google," as the kids call it, to find their phone numbers. Then you call their press people and book an interview.
Not as quick as grabbing them at the White House, but it'd work.

Ed Alvarez (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:47 AM)

Chuck, thanks for keeping your journalist's ethics-it's a quality that appears to have eluded many of your professional brethren. That's an interesting take.

Laura Cartmill, Deland FL (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:47 AM)

Chuck: Do you really think ANY of those CEOs want to talk to the press at all, unless it is to pet their egos??

These people are greedy vultures who line their pockets by raping the American consumer for all they are worth. Speaking to the press where they are heard by the masses is beneath even their contempt.

Joe - STL (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:47 AM)

Fight the good fight, Chuck, but things will never, ever change. And you can believe in that.

James Landon (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:48 AM)

Chuck Todd is the only journalist with any credibilty left. I hope the Obama Whitehouse listens to him, and lets the press have access to post lecture audiences. Chuck rules!

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:49 AM)

Gee Mr Todd – would you like a little cheese to go with that freakin whine?

Sam, WV (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:50 AM)

I'm wondering if this gig is a good fit for Chuck. Your coverage is often whiney and you seemed much happier and more at ease when you were doing your excellent, thoughtful analysis from the studio. Sure hope you get more than peanuts aboard Air Force One.

OliviaD, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:50 AM)

Gee Mr Todd – would you like a little cheese to go with that freakin whine?

Sam, WV (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:50 AM)

Stop being a cry baby.

Why do you think most reporters don't stay in that job vert long?

You shouldn't complain, you aren't that great as a reported

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:51 AM)

Chuck, first of all, you are a great reporter! And it seems that the rich CEO's continue to be protected after ripping the citizens off of 18 billion dollars. The slap on the hands of rich crooks makes me want to scream. Hopefully President Obama will allow you reporters access to these disgusting CEOs...and maybe even punish them? And maybe even get our 18 billion back and apply that money to the infrastructure? Keep up your fine work, Chuck.

Kathy Kangas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:52 AM)

Sounds like the Obama White House (and Chuck Todd) has a lot to learn about how things work./ Don not tick off the press!

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:53 AM)

Careful Chuck, your bordering on whining. Grow up Chuck. Maybe if you guys learned to actually report the newsworthy stuff, they'd "let you out". (Example: How many man hours were spent on numbnuts Palin and WHO made Joe The Plumber a household name?)

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:54 AM)

Oh, Chuck - stop being such a whiner. I don't think every visitor to the White House should be mobbed by the press. There has to be some order, for heavens sake. The Obama White House is already way more press-friendly and open than the previous administration. Get over it!!

Ellie in Aurora, CO (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:54 AM)

Leaving on an Air Force One Jet Plane -

Don't forget Chuck, there is an upside to your new position. You're going to be visiting some far off places in the next few years. Where will it be? Paris? Israel? Russia? Berlin? Prague? Vienna? Japan? Boston????

Be sure to listen to Tony Bennett - ohhh the good life, to be free and explore the unknown.
_____________________
I do think President Obama is working his tail off since he became president. He sounds and looks very tired. But today will be a good day for him, of which he has had very few in the last 3 weeks.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:55 AM)

If the Obama Administration needs you for something Mr. Todd, they'll be sure to get ahold of you. Until then, please just sit back, wait, and when they do give you some kind of news, don't even bother question the Administration. You are there as the media wing for the Obama administration. Know your place and this will go much smoother for everyone.

JJ Snowjob (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:55 AM)

Aren't you jumping up with that complaint a little fast?

jhenry (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:55 AM)

Hopefully, the White House will make adjustments because these are the kinds of tricks that the Bush White House played (Cheney's Energy Council). I hope this isn't part of a pattern; if it is, it adds to a not so stellar past two weeks for the new administration.

Stephen Graff, Woodbury, NJ (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:56 AM)

Geez Chuck....you sound like a crying rethuglican. Take your pen, paper, cell phone and blackberry and go home then.

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:57 AM)

Repeat after me: "Most transparent administration ever. Most transparent administration ever."

The more you say it, the more you believe it.

RE - COS -White House (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:57 AM)

bwaaaah bwaaaah bwaaaah bwaaah

Gerrie (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:58 AM)

The job of the press is to report what is happening on a given day in an unbiased and non opinionated way. You are there in the White House with access that no common American has, its up to you what you do with this access and how you go about getting information.

Many times a day I find that my job could be easier if only this guy did that or that guy did this, but the reality is I have to take what I have and get my job done and done right regardless.

This article sounds like complete whinning to me - to even slightly compare the access allowed so far by this admin. compared to the last is ridiculous, find a source - dig a little below the surface - wait out by the CEOs cars next time and ambush them like they do in Hollywood. Whatever you have do get it done and be a reporter.

Mike, Sarasota Fl (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:59 AM)

wahhhhhhhh...the constitution does not give you the right to make anyone, including the president, actually communicate with you...tough luck dude

Rick, NC (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:59 AM)

Gee, I don't know Chuck, maybe it's because the press sometimes asks stupid, inane, ridiculous "gotcha" questions with the sole intent of getting a cheap storyline on the evening news?

I don't think that's a "First Amendment" issue, and that, right there, is the problem. You're making this out to be a Constitutional issue, when it would seem the reality is far different. So the whole hyperbolic mountain you're making this out to be is really more like a molehill.

You're saying you don't know WHO the business leaders are? You - or someone else in the press - can't follow up with those business leaders later? Those business leaders aren't also busy? They can't be asked questions via email or later in the day/week/month?

Just askin'.

Dave - Chicago IL (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 11:59 AM)

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Message control is something every White House wants but sometimes when a White House attempts to control a message too much, they can irritate the press to the point that we all stop even paying attention to their message of the day. Just ask the previous occupant.

WAWAWAWA
This sounds like a threat. Have you stoped to think that those people might have requested that the press be held in check? weren't you there? I like getting news just like anyone else. But some of the crap that we get is unnecessary.

I can recall in the not too distant future that GWB administration was unreachable. Didn't you all just praise the fact that this President was kinder to the press than the last? Okay Chuck, so which will it be? I have a problem with the press already, where the hell were you all when Bush was in office.

I don't think that President Obama will take the money and run! Trust him to do his job. Sometimes less news is better. He is contending with opposition from a bunch of asses that screwed this country up and is trying to fix it. The republicans do not need any more help from you guys reporting more amonition for them to use for further obstruction. I don't need to know when uses the head.

I would put some of your behinds out too. Give us me.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:01 PM)

Wow. Very mature Chuck.

Champ, Lumberton, TX (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:01 PM)

Chuck - I sympathize with you guys position. But, it is becoming more frequent that you media guys can't be trusted to just report the facts.

I mean, it's becoming a liability to talk to you guys, because you guys end up spinning and putting your own favor on a story - just to try and predict an outcome of the future or force some sort of drama.

SO - you media folks bring this type of behavior on yourselves, not to mention that the American people are feed up with the media putting words in people’s mouths or thinking the public are to dumb to interpret conversation or comments for themselves.

I will give you and example - President Obama - at the Ft Myer, townhouse made a comment similar too - If my idea and plans don't work, in four years you get to elect someone else.

Chris Matthews interpretation was put and said something similar too -
President Obama said if his plan does not work you can get rid of me. (This to me, suggest something totally different from what President Obama meant and I am certain Chris knew this).

Another example - At the Callipillar event - President Obama - simply stated this stimulus would help lay off people get their jobs back.

You media folks - took what the CEO say - which was similar to what President Obama said - the only different was a timeline mentioned by the CEO and you guy concluded that he somehow contradicted the President and that was simply not the case.

SO my point - people are not going to talk to you guys if you can’t just quote them for what they said and avoid trying to interpret what they say - that dog won't hunt anymore.

The sooner you guys understand this that would be the time - when you will no longer be divided and denied interviews, etc by a rope or distance.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:02 PM)

So you really think that people who are voluntarily taking time out of their day to talk/listen to the president should be obligated to talk to the press? I think you have a pretty distorted view of reality and the first amendment if you think that the constitution should be forcing private citizens to get ambushed by reporters in exchange for coming to the white house.

Sometimes it really amazes me how much the main stream media thinks that they are the center of the universe. There is a much bigger threat to the press from the consolidation of major media outlets into the hands of the few and their reporters being the only ones given access.

So really Chuck, you should take your turn standing outside on the street and then see how bad the view is from behind the rope line.

AC, California (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:02 PM)

Did you get a chance to chat with Mr. Jeffrey Immelt, you know, your boss? CEO of GE, which owns NBC. How is Mr. Immelt's stint on President Obama's Economic Board going? No conflict of interest with that is there? You know the CEO of GE/NBC working closely with the President. NBC wouldn't be putting a positive spin on the Obama agenda in return, would they?

Nev Lipton, SC (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:02 PM)

"Message control is something every White House wants but sometimes when a White House attempts to control a message too much, they can irritate the press to the point that we all stop even paying attention to their message of the day. Just ask the previous occupant. " - Chuck Todd
__________________________________________
Chuck,

I like you alot and I appreciate you for giving us an inside view of your beat at the White House.

That said, I hope you are not implying that you or any of the other journalists assembled would compromise their professionalism or objectivity based on their ability to have access to White House guests.

The only person who has signed up for and consented to be hounded by the press for the next for years is the Obama Administration.

I could imagine how it would be uncomfortable it would be to have to swim through a sea of journalists if all you really wanted to do was attend the event in question.

Perhaps in the future, the Administration could give White House guests the OPTION and OPPORTUNITY to speak with the press if THEY WISH TO.

But let's not act like you have a Constitutional Right to interrogate every person invited to the White House. You don't.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:02 PM)

Good, then we want be getting all of that nonsense and B@@S you and the rest have been putting out. People can read between the lines, can you? Unless you are a Limburger, a Hannity or Oreilly nutcase the therapy is few.

Jes S.C. (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:05 PM)

Chuck,

Chuck don't you feel you guys in the press will this presidency and the nation as a whole a lot good if only you can allow the president to do the people's work with your selffish analysis. In my opinion, you the press shold take more blame than any person(s) in the mess that the nation is in right now. You were the ones that drum the beat of Iraq war and sold the lies to the nation, most of the CEOs that you people blame today are shareholders in your networks, because you have the monopoly of the airwaves, you lie and say things that the public does not support and frame it as if it is the people's wish. You can go to hell and burn - who cares if you cover the president or not. We know where to get information from him. You should be ashamed for posting this kind of thing as a news item.

Nelson, Knoxville, TN (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:06 PM)

Poor Chucky,your GOP skirt is showing,maybe you could get Chaney on the horn and ask about the energy summit that was held and kept away from the public.Maybe you could find out why Oil drove the war,and who is in the Oil Biz?GWB,Chaney,.I think if you so called reporters did the job the way it has in the past you would be better served.Like naming sources,stop all the in my opionon stuff.And get a pair ,you are whining like a school girl.Besides I'll bet you get paid regardless of what you write or how much facts are part of it.You really take the cake,I guess riding on AF1 will be a thing of the past for you.Maybe coach is where a hack cub reporter belongs.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:07 PM)

Maybe if you reporters would report what people said, rather than YOUR OPINION, then perhaps you'd be granted more access. People don't like to have their words interpreted and spun to achieve the media's need to be relevant.

I can't express enough my frustration of listening to you guys make all kinds of assumptions and innuendos about what YOU THINK is going on.

Just report what you see and hear and leave your opinions and spin to yourself.

I don't blame the White House or the Business CEOs for not wanting to waste their time with the media who is looking for sensationalism and not real journalism

RAH (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:07 PM)

Come come now Chuck, you sound childish and petulant.

You are now in the big boys world and may be it is not suited to you as you have always been the analyst, and a good one at that.

There is huge difference in my mind between being a correspondent and a political analyst and I find you being more the analyst than an objective journalist while on the White House beat.

If you want the opinion of those in attendance today call them up, request an interview, do your correspondent work the old fashioned way and stop whining and complaining. Get us the information and we'll make up our own minds.

Gingerbread Mamma, Jupiter, Fl (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:08 PM)

Chuck, don't feel too badly. I doubt there was much said in the meeting anyway. We are sick to death of hearing of these CEOs and I feel most of them belong in jail. Was that last statement by you a threat? Just wondering........

Seattlegal (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:09 PM)

Give them a little time.
Also the press coverage of the new administration has been appalling. Obsession over minutiae and overplaying blunders.. and not seeing the big picture
In less than a month , even without the stimulus, there have been notable bills signed and executive orders reversing some of the more deplorable acts of the previous administration.
I think the press should rise up to the qualities of the new President , instead of being mired in the ways of the past . The reporting is more gossipy that substantive analysis.
In regards to the stimulus how much coverage did you give to the almost 100% views of economists who said a big stimulus was necessary as opposed to the obstructionism of the GOP and their insistence on tax cuts are the answer to everything .
There is a reason the approval ratings of the press are low.

GW, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:09 PM)

O you poor baby.

Ann (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:10 PM)

I hate to say I told you so, Chuck; but David Gregory should have kept this beat and YOU should have been MTP moderator. Just my opinion. Not because I particularly like the position you've been taking lately; but because I used to believe the political virus coursed through your veins, like Tim Russert's. Your recent interview questions however have given me pause to believe that. At any rate, WH beat isn't all that and a bag of chips.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:11 PM)

Chuck, you have no idea what it was like during the Bush years. Why don't you talk to your colleagues first about their experiences before you criticize this one. Its like night and day.

Lee Washington DC (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:11 PM)

Sorry Chuck you are not all grown-ups. A good number of you are nothing more than stalkers with no concern for others. You talk about the first amendment rights but fail to accept that those rights don't overide all other rights. If you want to talk to these CEOs make and appointment with them. Don't ambush them.

nora california (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:15 PM)

Was Dick Cheney running the meeting?

Richard, Washington State (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:18 PM)

I've got to agree with those who say you do not have a constitional (or any other) right to force people visiting the White House to be questioned by the press. What were you thinking?

Mike New York (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 12:19 PM)

Hey chuck,
I loved your reporting and commentary during the primaries and the run up to the election.

However on this issue me thinks you are a little off base. Was this a closed door meeting where the attendees identities were kept secret? Are you prevented from using the vast resources of your parent company to find out who these attendees were and ask them for an interview? Is it this administrations duty or job to make private citizens sit down at your leisure for a press avail? If you are a reported now then report! Let your fingers do the walking and call these people or better yet use your gross motor skills and meet with them on your company time and dime and get a face to face with as many attendees as you can.

You've got a great job, (one that many of us would gladly trade places with you to have) its too early in the term to be whining about such a small issue.

Dre, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 1:30 PM)

We know you would ask the right questions, but I think the general feeling is that the majority would spin it. Not a justification by any means; I agree with you.

Go get 'em, we've got your back! :D

Jordan, Orlando, FL (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 1:31 PM)

I hear many people saying "if you don't support the stimulus then don't take any money from it". I am absaloutley fine with taking $0 from this stimulus. but, i also do not want my taxes raised when the bill for this crap bill comes due! You can keep your $13 a week. deal??

Bobby, Bossier City, La. (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 1:33 PM)

The press has been unbelievably hard on Obama. Have been watching the press conferences. Some of the questions are ridiculous and are asked over and over phrased just a little differently. Don`t know how Robert Gibbs keeps his cool. I agree with those who wonder why you can`t just report what was said. DO NOT LIKE the reporters interpretating what was said and making so much of what wasn`t said, wondering what they meant. I can hear and digest questions and answers, don`t need someone giving their intertpretation, often twisting the original.

Phyllis Combs Harrisburg (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 1:35 PM)

Heh,

Chuck I've been following your work for over a year now and I have to say I love your take on things and the way in which you have the numbers down. You're a credit to the memory of Tim Russert. That said, I was glad to see you bring the administration into question on this topic. I think President Obama's people actually READ these things so you may actually see some change. What I found curious was that you seem passionate enough about this issue to engage the commentators.

I have been following the comments of the First Read articles as well as the comments of articles on CNN for some time. I have commented myself often. It is very nice to see a political correspondent taking the time to engage the audience.

Much of what goes on in the comments is polemic posturing and hashing out of the same tired arguments, but there are some real bright spots that make it worth reading the comments.

I really enjoyed when Rachael and Keith did their live blog (probably because I got passed the filters a couple times) is there any chance of you doing something similar any time soon?

Two things in closing: 1) Keep up the good work. 2) Be wary of feeding the trolls.

braineel, sarasota, FL. (Sent Friday, February 13, 2009 1:35 PM)

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