Too soon for President Obama news conference?

The question has been asked: Isn’t it a bit soon—only three weeks into the new administration--for President Obama to be having a news conference?

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WATCH Peter Roussel talks about political nominees on Eyewitness News

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In my view, not at all.

Last week they got off message, which is to say that the stories that dominated the headlines primarily concerned the withdrawn nominations of Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer. How best to get back on message, i.e., the economic stimulus legislation, than to use the forum available to a president of the United States—a televised news conference with an opening statement on the topic of his choice—not the media’s.

Further, shouldn’t President Obama be regularly communicating with, and updating, the American people in this way? FDR did much the same during tough economic times with his radio “fireside chats.” These are serious times. The regular flow of information and the maintenance of confidence go hand in hand.

Tonight’s forum also serves another purpose. By a return to the prime-time televised news conference, President Obama is not only placing himself for review before the American people, but also the reporters who will be there. Their questions will also be under public scrutiny. Thus, the viewing audience can determine on its own if reporters are being favorable toward the president as some have suggested.

Comments

[rd]

That's a loaded question designed to get a specific response. Democrats are going to answer no and Republicans are going to answer yes.