I heard Sam telling this story other day and how he quickly and silently sat down. Totally mocked. Too bad he and his comrades have yet to learn the lesson and shut the hell up : )
Sam's lying - from 80 thru 88 he never shut up. Who could forget he & Bill Plant alternately screaming questions at Reagan, & Reagan just looking at them in amazement.
BTW I had the chance to visit the WH press briefing room in 86, the staffer who hosted me showed me Sam's cubicle - it was a PIGSTYE.