http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2005/03/07/communication_or_manipulation/Communication or manipulation?
Press and president clash over approach
By Mark Jurkowitz, Globe Staff | March 7, 2005
In his new journalist-scolding memoir, ''Taking Heat," former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer presents a series of grievances against the news media that include excessive commentary, oversimplification, liberal bias, and the ''drive to find conflict anywhere and everywhere."
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White House press secretary Scott McClellan disputed that notion in an e-mail response to the Globe. ''The President's every move and every decision is closely monitored and constantly covered by the national media," he wrote. ''The idea that you can 'circumvent' the national media is somewhat absurd. He recognizes the important role the national media plays in keeping the American people informed about the decisions being made in Washington, and it is a way for us to get our message out about the President's agenda."
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''I think it falls on the media's shoulders, not the White House," Brinkley says. ''I blame the media for not calling them on it. I just think that 9/11 terrified journalists of seeming to be not patriotic."