Centerfield

I've heard this suggestion before. There have also been suggestions that Bush intentionally fumbles pre-submitted questions to play to "common folk". I think that we need to get a grip. It is conceivable to me that the Administration would trust that not one reporter would say on national television "Mr. President, as you know, I was required to submit my question in advance, but I now have a new question and it is, why do I have to submit my questions in advance?"

I don't think it's true, although it's conceivable that some of Bush's handlers try to finagle what questions they may ask.

This weekend, I heard Don Gonyea on NPR (on that NPR quiz show) who asked one of the questions at the press conference, and he stated that they don't give the administration the questions in advance, and he implied they each reporter hides their "good questions" from each other so they won't be used by someone else at the press conference.

Let's face it; I doubt Bush would have given some of those answers if he knew them in advance, let alone let letting some of them get asked. His "what's your biggest mistake" was truly cringeworthy and I highly doubt he spent a lot of time practicing that one in front of a mirror.

Pretty hard not to view the last press conference as nearly 100% conclusive proof that this is not true. Which is not to say the White House eschews arm-twisting.

i dont care assahole