How the exchange should have gone...:
Q With respect, who made you the editor of Newsweek? Do you think it's appropriate for you, at that podium, speaking with the authority of the President of the United States, to tell an American magazine what they should print?
MR. McCLELLAN: With respect, who made you the apologist for Newsweek? Do you think it's appropriate for you, defend the irresponsibility of Newsweek for printing this story? --
Q You're pressuring them.
MR. McCLELLAN: When the press acts this irresponsiblity, we are not afraid to hold them to account. --
Q It's not pressure?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not sure we're concerned about your perception on this.
Q Are you asking them to write a story about how great the American military is; is that what you're saying here?
MR. McCLELLAN: Elisabeth, your mischaracterizations are irresponsible. --
Q You've already said what you're -- I know what -- how it ends.
MR. McCLELLAN: We are asking them to take steps to help repair the damage. And I think that they recognize the importance of doing that. That's all I'm saying.
Q As far as the Newsweek article is concerned, first, how and where the story came from? And do you think somebody can investigate if it really happened at the base, and who told Newsweek? Because somebody wrote a story.
MR. McCLELLAN: Who made you Chief of Staff? --
Q As far as the Newsweek article is concerned, first, how and where the story came from? And do you think somebody can investigate if it really happened at the base, and who told Newsweek? Because somebody wrote a story.
WH: The press has the responsibility to report the news accurately. The Press should not create the news. And in this particular case, I believe it is fair to say that Newsweek incited riots across the world leading to the deaths of 16 people based on fiction disclosed to them by a source that no one except Newsweek believes exists. Since Newsweek is loath to announce its dubious source, no one outside Newsweek can comment on as far as the WH is concerned this fictional account. Madame, you are a reporter. Please feel free to investigate this fictional event and then report to the American people the facts and nothing but the facts. And by all means leave your feelings and biasness at home.