More Safire Insanity...

The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: The Depressed Press:

On mainstream media's feeling that President Bush doesn't give a hoot about what we say or write: That's his loss more than ours. He may deliver an uplifting second Inaugural Address, but still does not appear thoughtful or adept at answering questions.

The reason: Bush holds quarterly, rather than the traditional monthly, news conferences. This lack of regular rehearsal costs him familiarity with issues, and costs his administration the discipline of deadlines for suggested answers. As the debates showed, Bush gets better with practice. He is not as good as he thinks he is when winging it.

Um, can we just look at what Safire is saying here? Bush's "lack of regular rehearsal costs him familiarity with issues". Actually, Mr. Safire, we expect the president to be familiar with issues whether or not he discusses them with the press. What you are saying here is that more frequent press conferences might force the president to actually know what he is talking about. This would be good because then he could give better press conferences. He just needs practice, the poor man....