The problem with those who are accustomed to kid gloves is that they never learn how to deal with adversity. Obama has never faced a hostile press throughout the entirety of his political career, and, unsurprisingly the initial signs are that he’s not going to handle one well:
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.”
No doubt the usual suspects in the ABCNNBCBS cabal will attempt to run interference for him, but Obama isn’t going to be able to get away with evasions forever now that he is in possession of the office.