York: How Obama Plays the Press

In the Washington Examiner, Byron York writes about how Obama manipulates the press corps while still showing contempt for them:

The situation amazes veterans of previous administrations. "I think it is astonishing that there isn't carping about this from the press every day," says former Bush White House press secretary Dana Perino. "Believe me, they would have nailed us to the wall."

In one sense, the press, or at least some members of the press, have only themselves to blame. Obama treats them with contempt because he knows that when big tests come, they've always been on his side. There's no reason for him to think they won't be there in the future. "Most of you covered me," he told the media elite at the 2009 White House Correspondents' Association dinner. "All of you voted for me."

That's the attitude coming out of the Oval Office every day. Why does Obama do it? Because he can.