Reporters finally find something to complain about Obama

Having been basically his tame puppies throughout the campaign and transition period, the media finally has something to complain about with Obama. And what is getting them all upset? That they weren't allowed in to witness his do-over of the oath with Justice Roberts. They're really miffed that all they had were White House photographs and didn't get their own photos. Oh, yeah. That would have changed everything.

In the case of the second swearing-in, however, it seemed to give reporters a chance to lay down an early marker on questioning whether Obama would live up to one of his key campaign pledges, at least when it comes to the media.

“It is ironic, the same day that the president is talking about transparency, we were not let in,” CNN’s Ed Henry said on the air Wednesday night after news of the second swearing-in broke.

Henry’s main gripe was that television reporters weren’t permitted to cover a historic moment, when Obama once again raised his right hand and took the oath before Justice John Roberts. The only images came from White House photographer Pete Souza.

Three wire services — The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse – refused to move those images, in protest of the White House’s handling of the event.

The wire services’ photographers were also denied access to photograph Obama sitting in the Oval Office on the first day, and similarly refused to move the White House approved photos.

Do they think that there was something false about the White House photo? I can see why, in general, they don't want to just accept whatever the White House hands them, but is there really any substance here? There are a whole host of issues that the Obama administration should be questioned about. Worrying about who took the photos isn't one of them. But it seems like the prerogatives of the media are always foremost in their minds.

And the New York Times is upset that they didn't get their traditional sit-down interview with the incoming president. Face it, The Times just isn't what it used to be and even the Obama press office recognizes that. And the CBS reporter, Bill Plante, is upset that ABC got the only televised interview with Obama on inauguration day in light of ABC's sponsorship of an inaugural ball.

Veteran CBS newsman Bill Plante was one of the most vocal critics, questioning the White House’s handling of Wednesday night’s second swearing in – which was covered by just a four-reporter print pool that didn’t include a news photographer or TV correspondent.

He also asked new press secretary Robert Gibbs why ABC, which paid millions to host the DC Neighborhood Ball, was granted the only inauguration day interview with President Obama – a move he equated to “pay to play.”

And Obama is getting a taste of the new mood among the White House press corps. He stopped by the press room yesterday to say hi and actually got a tough question.

President Obama made a surprise visit to the White House press corps Thursday night, but got agitated when he was faced with a substantive question.

Asked how he could reconcile a strict ban on lobbyists in his administration with a Deputy Defense Secretary nominee who lobbied for Raytheon, Obama interrupted with a knowing smile on his face.

"Ahh, see," he said, "I came down here to visit. See this is what happens. I can't end up visiting with you guys and shaking hands if I'm going to get grilled every time I come down here."

Pressed further by the Politico reporter about his Pentagon nominee, William J. Lynn III, Obama turned more serious, putting his hand on the reporter's shoulder and staring him in the eye.

"Alright, come on" he said, with obvious irritation in his voice. "We will be having a press conference at which time you can feel free to [ask] questions. Right now, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself to you guys - that's all I was trying to do."

The president was quickly saved by a cameraman in the room who called out: “I’d like to say it one more time: ‘Mr. President.’ ”

Yes, a save from an obsequious cameraman. The media hasn't all turned on their idol.

And I don't expect this mini kerfuffle to last long. As the Obama press office gets more experience, they'll know how to stroke all the big egos among the press corps and they'll be back to their prior tame status.