McClellan losing grip on press

Scott McClellan accused long-time White House correspondent Helen Thomas of opposing the war on terror. Fellow journalists weren't too happy.

THOMAS It has nothing to do with -- Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

McCLELLAN: Well, you have a very different view of the war on terrorism, and I'm sure you're opposed to the broader war on terrorism. The President recognizes this requires a comprehensive strategy, and that this is a broad war, that it is not a law enforcement matter.

Terry.

TERRY MORAN On what basis do you say Helen is opposed to the broader war on terrorism?

McCLELLAN: Well, she certainly expressed her concerns about Afghanistan and Iraq and going into those two countries. I think I can go back and pull up her comments over the course of the past couple of years.

MORAN And speak for her, which is odd.


I also hear that the press was openly mocking McClellan for claiming that Harriet Miers' religion was not relevant to the confirmation process-- this is right after the president said he nominated her for her religion.

As is that weren't enough, this morning found McClellan denying that yesterday's photo-op was at all staged-- in spite of audio and video evidence to the contrary.

QUESTION: How were they selected, and are their comments to the president pre-screened, any questions or anything...

MCCLELLAN: No.

QUESTION: Not at all?

MCCLELLAN: This is a back-and-forth.