Helen Thomas challenges Perino

There's so much to say about this. Firstly, the notion that the US elected Bush is simply not true. Then there's this exchange:

Dana Perino: Because he is the commander on the ground, Helen. He’s the one who is making sure that the situation is moving —

Helen Thomas: You mean how many more people we kill?

Dana Perino: Helen, I find it really unfortunate that you use your front row position bestowed upon you by your colleagues to make such statements. This is. "It is an honor and a privilege to be in the briefing room, and to suggest that we, at the United States, are killing innocent people is just absurd and very offensive.

There is simply no question that the US are killing innocent people in Iraq, so I don't know why Perino finds that observation "absurd and very offensive". After all Thomas did not imply that the killing was deliberate, she simply noted that it happens. But I found it really interesting to note that Perino chose to remind Thomas that "it is an honor and a privilege to be in the briefing room".

That's how Perino sees the press attempting to hold them to account. As an "honor and a privilege". Not as a right. Because, of course, honours and privileges can be withdrawn.

I've said it before, but if Helen Thomas was British she'd be a Dame by now. The US should regard her as a national treasure.

Tags: Helen Thomas, Dana Perino, White House