More On Super-Soakering With Sources

In response to questions from Twitter followers, Mark Knoller, White House correspondent for CBS News Radio, has been tweeting about the Biden beach party this past weekend (Knoller “was invited, but wasn’t able to make it.”). More Knoller:

I know such gatherings can look too cozy between press & officials, but it’s legitimate.

A few times during Bush years, he invited press to his ranch & chatted off the record about anything we asked. Very useful for a reporter.

No question it can look like we’re selling out for a hot dog or chicken wing. But it can be a useful journalistic exercise.

No one gets co-opted by a picnic.

It gives a reporter insight into his thinking, which is worthwhile. Bush faced plenty of tough questions abt the war. Some from me.

Add your two cents on socializing with sources at our News Meeting. Jon Stewart weighed in, in his way, last night:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c
Press You’re Stuck
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Liz Cox Barrett is a writer at CJR.