On Monday, the McCain campaign slammed the New York Times as being pro-Obama, continuing the campaign's penchant, dating back to several convention speeches that did so, for blasting the mainstream media, At this point, it's been almost 11 weeks since the national press was invited to hitch a ride with McCain, with multiple reporters pinpointing July 9 as the last such day.
During that outing, Los Angeles Times reporter Maeve Reston asked McCain about a comment by adviser Carly Fiorina criticizing insurance companies for covering Viagra but not birth control. McCain said he didn't want to discuss it, and after eight seconds of uncomfortable silence-captured on video by another reporter on the bus and uploaded straight to YouTube-he told Reston he'd have to get back to her.
National reporters vary in their levels of grief.
"Some have come to acceptance," said one, while others continue "trying to figure out how to gain some access."
In recent days, reporters on the bus have complained more openly to McCain staffers. And in their stories - and especially in their blog posts - reporters increasingly complain about their lack of access to the candidate.
But since limiting press availability, McCain has climbed higher in the polls and now stays on message more effectively, leading to an “if-it-ain't-broke” mindset among his advisers . . .
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