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How The Press Lay Down For The Bush White House

Clay Powell

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Published in Lapdogs: How The Press Lay Down For The Bush White House

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The Bush White House's relationship with the press was one of the most controversial aspects of the administration. Critics accused the White House of manipulating the press, while supporters argued that the press was simply reporting on the news. In this article, we will examine the evidence for both sides of the argument.

Lapdogs: How the Press Lay Down for the Bush White House

by Eric Boehlert

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The White House's Manipulation of the Press

There is no doubt that the Bush White House attempted to manipulate the press. In fact, there is evidence that the White House began planning to do so even before Bush took office. In a memo dated December 12, 2000, White House communications director Karen Hughes outlined a plan to "dominate the narrative" and "control the message" of the new administration.

The White House's efforts to control the message were evident in a number of ways. For example, the White House often refused to answer questions from reporters. In a 2002 speech to the National Press Club, White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said, "We're not going to answer every question that gets asked." The White House also often leaked information to friendly reporters in order to shape the coverage of the administration.

In addition, the Bush White House often attacked the press. In a 2004 speech, President Bush said, "The press corps is just a bunch of liberal elitists who hate me." The White House also often accused the press of being biased against the administration.

The Press's Role in the Bush White House

The press played a complex role in the Bush White House. On the one hand, the press often reported on the administration's policies and actions in a critical light. For example, the press was highly critical of the administration's decision to invade Iraq in 2003. On the other hand, the press also often gave the administration a favorable portrayal. For example, the press often praised the administration's handling of the economy.

There is no doubt that the press played a role in the Bush White House. However, the extent to which the press was manipulated by the administration is a matter of debate. Some critics argue that the press was simply reporting on the news, while others argue that the press was complicit in the administration's efforts to control the narrative.

The relationship between the Bush White House and the press was a complex one. The White House often attempted to manipulate the press, while the press played a complex role in the administration. The extent to which the press was manipulated by the administration is a matter of debate.

Lapdogs: How the Press Lay Down for the Bush White House

by Eric Boehlert

4 out of 5