Why can’t they all be like Jake Tapper?

The Politico reports on a heated exchange between ABC News’ 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.

[…]

Tapper, the White House correspondent for ABC News, asked Carney to shed some light on Libya conversations that are happening β€œbehind closed doors.” Carney, not exactly willing to pop open the lid on private talks, noted a β€œkind of what-problem-haven’t-you-solved-today aspect to this.” After he recited talking points on β€œthe international community” and the U.N. resolution, Tapper said that β€œthe situation on the ground has changed” quickly.

In response, Carney pulled out a familiar dodge, saying he wouldn’t give a β€œplay-by-play” of what White House officials are talking about on Libya.

Tapper tried again, citing conversations β€œbehind closed doors.”

And Carney shot back: β€œWho said anything was going on behind closed doors?”

At that point, Tapper adopted a tone similar to that of a politician as he berated Carney. β€œIn the name of candor and explaining to the American people what’s going on, what we’re talking about doing,” he began, β€œyou guys have been criticized for a lot of quick action that you had to take —”

On that cue, Carney knew where to hit back. He interrupted Tapper and asked sarcastically, β€œAfter being criticized for moving too slowly?”

Tapper sighed. β€œIf you’d like me to get a room full of straw men, we can do that,” he said.

You can watch video of the exchange at the Politico link.

BTW, as for that room full of straw men,Β Tapper doesn’t need to worry about bringing them in.Β  The WH is well–stocked 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 …

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