The Seattle Times The Seattle Times
CNN misses the flight as White House picks its travel circle
So CNN got the text about the trip, but nobody saved the seat. That's a pretty solid way to start a Saturday: White House picks its travel circle, and the network that's been covering this administration like it's a full-time beat is suddenly watching from the tarmac.
I'm not surprised. This White House has always been about loyalty and tight circles. If you're not in the room, you're not on the plane. And for a big college football game, the president wants people around who are going to enjoy the moment, not file a story about it. That's just how the game works, even if the game is literally a football game.
Look, I get the optics. CNN is a major outlet. Being left off Air Force One for a high-profile trip is a message, whether it's intentional or just logistics. But honestly, it's also kind of predictable. The travel pool is a privilege, not a right. And if you've been critical, you can't act shocked when you're not on the invite list.
Still, it's a reminder that access is a tool. The people who get the ride get the story. The people who don't, get the press release. I'd rather be the one asking questions from the ground than the one getting a curated photo op. But that's just me, a Coug who likes to see the full field before picking a play.
Quick update: CNN's not on the plane, and that's probably the point.
