A slow news week at the White House (”Why did we go to Canada? What the fuck was that?”) causes the White House press corps to ponder itself.

Bush scolds the press and keeps them as lapdogs and they lovingly play along lest they lose access.

The saving grace of the piece is CBS’s John Roberts:

One correspondent who does not buy the widespread theory that deference is key is John Roberts of CBS News. He once was so persistent in asking Bush why he took the nation to war in Iraq based upon what Roberts called “sometimes flimsy or, some people have complained, nonexistent evidence” that Bush scolded sharply, “Hold on for a second. You’re through, John.”

Roberts said in a BlackBerry message yesterday from Andrews Air Force Base, where he was waiting to board the press plane to Canada, that Bush “has worked very hard to create an atmosphere of ‘protocol’ around all of his events” and uses stern looks to shoot down any question he doesn’t want to take. “It’s all part of the message-control regime at the White House, but it’s not something the White House press corps should roll over and play dead for.”

Indeed. We need more questions like John’s which prompt the most powerful man in the world to tell you “you’re through.” and less questions like, “Turning away from international affairs for a moment, Mr. President, do you think puppies are cute or fun?”*

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* Yeah, I made up that question, but it’s not too different from the groaner of a question quoted in the article.