JEFF GANNON: [on tape] What's wrong with that? Just because I'm not hostile to the president of the United States in a press conference that somehow I'm not doing my job?
BOB GARFIELD: Well, here's the answer: Yes, James or Jeff or whatever your name is - you're doing your job, but not journalism's job. Sure, the press corps is occasionally rough on the Bush administration, albeit not nearly enough to suit our tastes. But they are equally rough on Democratic administrations, as Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton can more than attest. The press's job calls for harsh questioning - a job in no way balanced by blowing kisses to those in power. On the contrary, every question is precious. Squandering the ever-shrinking opportunity to confront the commander in chief for accountability is not only anti-journalistic; it's an affront to democracy.
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