Why can’t they all be like Jake Tapper?
The Politico reports on a heated exchange between ABC Newsβ Jake Tapper and WH spoxdude Jay Carney from yesterday:
The temperature in the White House briefing jumped up Wednesday afternoon as Jake Tapper and Jay Carney vented some of their frustrations with each other publicly.
[β¦]
Tapper, the White House correspondent for ABC News, asked Carney to shed some light on Libya conversations that are happening βbehind closed doors.β Carney, not exactly willing to pop open the lid on private talks, noted a βkind of what-problem-havenβt-you-solved-today aspect to this.β After he recited talking points on βthe international communityβ and the U.N. resolution, Tapper said that βthe situation on the ground has changedβ quickly.
In response, Carney pulled out a familiar dodge, saying he wouldnβt give a βplay-by-playβ of what White House officials are talking about on Libya.
Tapper tried again, citing conversations βbehind closed doors.β
And Carney shot back: βWho said anything was going on behind closed doors?β
At that point, Tapper adopted a tone similar to that of a politician as he berated Carney. βIn the name of candor and explaining to the American people whatβs going on, what weβre talking about doing,β he began, βyou guys have been criticized for a lot of quick action that you had to take ββ
On that cue, Carney knew where to hit back. He interrupted Tapper and asked sarcastically, βAfter being criticized for moving too slowly?β
Tapper sighed. βIf you’d like me to get a room full of straw men, we can do that,β he said.
You can watch video of the exchange at the Politico link.
BTW, as for that room full of straw men,Β Tapper doesnβt need to worry about bringing them in.Β The WH is wellβstocked with straw men (as I’m sure he already knows far too well).Β In fact, I hear that President ObamaΒ himself has a ‘mini-me’ straw man sitting on his shoulder at all times β¦