Thin-Skinned WH Bans TX Reporter from Future Interviews?

By Abby Phillip

...The White House often expects the toughest questions from reporters outside of Washington, not the easiest, Pfeiffer tweeted.

The problem: The reporter's questions weren't particularly difficult, but they were clearly not what Obama was expecting. The result was a viral video that depicted Obama as angry when faced with tough questioning. And it unveiled some of the degree to which the White House would like to control its message.

Pfeiffer was asked by Time reporter Michael Scherer, "So will WFAA's Brad Watson get another interview one day?"

Instead of quickly taking the high road, Pfeiffer suggested that Watson may truly be out in the cold after irritating the president. And he did it by revealing yet another trick of Washington communications: playing one news outlet against its rival.

"Right around the time we do our next interview with @TIME. I am kidding ... or am I. @Newsweek is on the other line," Pfeiffer responded.