I want to know how the next President will interact and with the Press Corp. In my opinion it’s one of the most obvious indicators as to how they treat the American people. And an open and honest dialogue b/w the President and the press is relevant to every component of the way an Administration is run.It’s no secret this President plans out who he will take questions from ahead of briefings. What is that really about? It indicates he is unable or unwilling to answer difficult questions, questions that might expose flaws or problems in his policy. Well, if the American people lose that ear, of the Press Corp, because they are being stifled and controlled, then what kind of Administration are we looking at? It doesn’t seem democratic.

The trend didn’t start with Bush Jr, though. From my friend, a member of the Press Corp, I was told Bill Clinton used to have a closed door policy (one can imagine why) and rarely sat down with the Press. Of course, he had his favorites, as they all do.

Here is what I want to know. How many questions will you, the next President allow at briefings? Will you stay until the last one is answered? Will you determine ahead of time who you are willing to answer? Will you let the Press Corp do their job?

People my age need to understand how critical the interaction is between the President and the Corp. They are the first line of defense against troubled policies, lies and exaggerations. If the folks in Washington, who see him or her on a daily basis are being controlled, how can voters even begin to know the truth?