Opening the Door to Debate, and Then Shutting It:

"aides made clear there was not even the possibility of him taking questions"

The Bush-Cheney regime is reminicent of LBJ late in his first term. I can't remember the last time the Prez or Veep took questions from a regular crowd. They both only speak in front of highly partisan or military crowds (both which their excellent image makers make sure that there is no dissent). That's sad when the "leader of the free world" can't make a speech or have a news conference with crowds that are not vetted ....