Tony Snow Vs. The Media, Round 1.

Source: Editor & Publisher

Wow, it didn't take long for Tony to start trading punches with the media. He seems to have a particular "fondness" for CBS News, the NY Times, and USA Today, too.

Snow has fired off several emails to reporters. One rapped the Times for continuing to "ignore America's economic progress," while another hit USA Today for a "misleading Medicare story." He also knocked CBS News on Wednesday for Jim Axelrod's piece on seniors having problems with the Bush drug plan. Axelrod responded today.

White House sources say that Snow aims to counter criticism of the administration in an aggressive manner. He has yet to hold his first press briefing, however.

Gee, I wonder why.

And go, Jim Axelrod, go!

Among many charges leveled at Axelrod, Snow declared that "CBS News misleadingly reports that only 8 million seniors have signed up for Medicare prescription drug coverage. But 37 million seniors have coverage."

But Axelrod replied today: "Very simply, the White House is cutting and pasting to make a point, something they accuse their critics of doing constantly."

He notes that one "point made by the White House is that we report 'enrolling can be a confusing process.' Is that really such a controversial statement when 75% of seniors polled say the new Medicare drug plan is difficult to understand?

"I am always open to criticism and believe we should be as transparent as possible in how we put together our reports, especially on such important issues as Medicare, but if the White House has a point to make, perhaps they should furnish the full and proper context for everything that is broadcast....

"Again, the White House is clearly manipulating what I broadcast to fit their agenda. And they are wrong to do that."

I'm curious to see how long it takes before Tony realizes that this is not The Tony Snow Show Live From The White House. Unless he likes to be badgered by the press.

Tags: [Tony Snow], [White House], [CBS News], [USA Today], [New York Times], [Jim Axelrod], [Tony Snow trading punches with the media]