Slowly but surely, the silent treatment has been working. For two weeks, the White House has refused to say a word about any aspect of the Plame scandal. Initially, this only seemed to annoy the press corps during Scott McClellan’s briefings and they continued to upbraid the press secretary.
But as time wore on, and new events developed (such as a Supreme Court nomination), the Plame- and Rove-related questions dwindled. This isn’t necessarily a criticism of the press corps — they probably get tired of asking questions they know won’t be answered — but it is the reality. McClellan’s strategy has been effective.
I’m pleased to report, however, that the press corps still isn’t happy about it. From today’s briefing:
Q: Has Karl Rove offered to resign, in view of his problems?
McClellan: Again, you keep asking these questions that are related to an ongoing investigation —
Q: Does he still have his security clearance?
McClellan: — and those are questions that have already been addressed.
Q: No, they — I’ve never heard this before. Have you?
McClellan: The question has been asked before.
Q: We haven’t heard an answer.
Q: What was your answer?
Q: There hasn’t been an answer.
It’s good to know they’re still engaged.