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Obama knew this because White House aides had called Pitney the day before to invite him, and they had escorted him into the room. They told him the president was likely to call on him, with the understanding that he would ask a question about Iran that had been submitted online by an Iranian. "I know that there may actually be questions from people in Iran who are communicating through the Internet," Obama went on. "Do you have a question?"
The use of planted questioners is a no-no at presidential news conferences, because it sends a message to the world -- Iran included -- that the American press isn't as free as advertised.
Reporters typically don’t coordinate their questions for the president before press conferences, so it seemed odd that Obama might have an idea what the question would be. Also, it was a departure from White House protocol by calling on The Huffington Post second, in between the AP and Reuters.
UPDATE: Deputy press secretary Bill Burton responds: "We did reach out to him prior to press conference to tell him that we had been paying attention to what he had been doing on Iran and there was a chance that he’d be called on.
Incredible. Is there any doubt the mouthpieces for obama and his liberal agenda, Huffpo, Mediamatters, NYTimes will continue to coordinate with the WH?
I guess the line between the press and government will be erased in the age of obama.
This is so silly.....a tempest in a teapot...President Bush and his press secretary used to call on a male hooker with a pornographic web site; he had been issued a press pass although he had no journalistic experience....his only journalistic credential was that he could be counted on to ask a soft ball question .
I think getting a question from a blog site....and directly from Iran.....was an excellent use of the press conference.
Another right-wing lie from a world-class dissembler. Good going, OP! Keep up the fine work of tearing down the American right with petty and nonsensical stupidity. It's working out great!
Incredible. Is there any doubt the mouthpieces for obama and his liberal agenda, Huffpo, Mediamatters, NYTimes will continue to coordinate with the WH?
I guess the line between the press and government will be erased in the age of obama.
No NO No Obama wouldnt do that only Bush would do something like that.
This is so silly.....a tempest in a teapot...President Bush and his press secretary used to call on a male hooker with a pornographic web site; he had been issued a press pass although he had no journalistic experience....his only journalistic credential was that he could be counted on to ask a soft ball question .
I think getting a question from a blog site....and directly from Iran.....was an excellent use of the press conference.
Yeah and how much was Bush insulted for doing that? Heck there is still jokes made today about him.
No NO No Obama wouldnt do that only Bush would do something like that.
You're right. Bush gave special access to hookers and paid off "journalists."
Show us where you complained about that, and we'll take you seriously now.
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