Nothin' to see here...

[JohnnyD]

My understanding was that these types of events are typically huge PR opportunities for up and coming political candidates. I do not believe this is S.O.P.

I think this continues on with the previously poor stage act where the McCain campaign has tried to create the illusion of "open engagement" for reporters. There has been obvious exclusivity towards heavily Right Wing favored reporting agencies. Also, in some open forum situations, Palin has yet to display a capability to effectively manage her responses in a politically effective and advantageous way.

Limiting the press's exposure to her is a smart choice for the McCain campaign at this point. She's been working as a poster child for them - effective when scripted or when someone else is talking about her.

[spence]

When the President doesn't these types of events, the meeting is behind closed doors then they'll both step out and answer questions.

I think everyone remembers the number of meetings with Tony Blair when you could see Tony wince in pain at Bush fumbling throught the questions after his articulate answer

The Bush Admin has always treated the Press as an enemy and has gone to great lengths to limit their exposure. The McCain campaign is attempting to further this and feed off of the "liberal media bias" to rally the base.

Given this, they really have no motivation to let the Press report on campaign activites. Their strategy is clearly to keep Palin in a bubble and hope the voters see her as a right wing pin-up rather than someone who's been vetted on the public stage.

-spence