The President And Necrophilia (Press, 3 September 1982)
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Summary: The President And Necrophilia (Press, 3 September 1982)
On 3 September 1982, the routine of the White House press briefing, conducted by spokesman Larry Speakes, drew amusing comparisons to a funeral parlour due to its formal setting and subsequent chaos. Reporters attended to hear Speakes relay the Administration's rationale for a tax increase, contradicting their initial promise to reduce taxes. The event quickly turned chaotic, with reporters expressing dissatisfaction over the scripted remarks. One noted journalist, Sarah MacClendon from Texas, persistently challenged Speakes about the administration’s economic recovery claims, while another, Lester Kinsolving, introduced absurd inquiries about the government's hiring practices regarding sexual preferences. Speakes struggled to maintain decorum amidst the barrage of questions, highlighting the mix of serious journalism and entertainment within these briefings. Although the right to press access is firmly maintained by the White House, it becomes evident that the integrity of serious journalism in these settings is under scrutiny. The press corps includes a mix of established journalists and those from lesser-known outlets, with some of the latter proving to be more relentless in their questioning. The atmosphere on the "zoo plane," which transports the press alongside the President, also reflects this chaotic environment, where tired reporters sometimes indulge in frivolous behaviours. Speakes, in a moment of exasperation, invited any news organisation to publish the full transcript of the briefing, a challenge taken up by the Washington Post, albeit with edits. The evolving relationship between the White House and the press hinted at a possible trend to exclude less 'useful' members of the press, echoing practices initiated by former President Carter’s press secretary. Veteran correspondent Curtis Wilkie noted that the midday briefings seldom impart substantial information, raising questions about their efficacy and purpose.
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