Bill Plante's comment reminded me of the interaction Dan Rather had with Nixon at a Press Conference during the waning days of the Watergate era. When he stood up to ask a question, the reporters applauded, and this annoyed Nixon, who was already very defensive of the sharp questioning from young Rather at all his press conferences. When the President quipped, "Are you running for something, Mr. Rather?", Dan's quick repartee was, "No, Mr. President, are you?".

Good for you, Mr. Bill Plante! That's why we send reporters to the leaders...to ask tough questions. And if those in power try to ignore hard questions by running to the waiting helicopter, such sharp comments are very much a requirement from a good reporter. You performed a good professional service to remind Mr. Bush that we live in a true democracy, where even the President dare not hide behind some mythical immunity of his office, and run away from answering serious questions.

I hope more reporters take a lead from Bill Plante and seek answers from this deceptive administration.