From White House press briefing the other day:
Q Why is the focus on Syria?
MR. FLEISCHER: Well, the focus is on Syria is because Syria is the nation that’s harboring Iraqis.
Q Do you have proof of that?
MR. FLEISCHER: Well, certainly, we would not have said it, Secretary Powell would not have said it, the President wouldn’t have said it.
Q Why don’t you present the proof, then?
MR. FLEISCHER: Well, as always, Helen, this is an old argument. We have information that comes into our hands for a variety of means. We prefer to keep getting that information. We feel confident —
Q Don’t think it will enhance your credibility if you showed us?
MR. FLEISCHER: I think our credibility is rather strong.
I think what we’re seeing here is the Western Press rendering themselves obsolete through presumption of their “right” to information.
Ari is awesome – he has a very tough job, and he’s very, very good at it.