A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

At last, the media is beginning to realize just how it will be treated in the event of an Obama Administration:

The Obama campaign is putting a hefty price tag on the best camera and reporting positions for news organizations covering Barack Obama's outdoor election night activities in downtown Chicago. If a reporter wants access to the file center--which will be the best place to find Obama officials and spokesmen--be prepared to write a check for $935. The cheapest place a reporter could stand on a riser with a view is $880.

That $935 covers one reporter in a heated file tent, power, cable tv, internet and food. I am told by an Obama spokesman who did not want his name used that this just covers costs and they are not turning a profit on this. The planners could have built in more al a carte options.

This is an outrageous pay to play plan that caters to national elite outlets with deep pockets.

I am not asking for a free ride--but this is pricey and does not take into account some reporters won't need power, cable, internet or food but will crave the access more than the food. As I was talking to this unnamed spokesman about this enormously expensive set-up, he did say--that a news outlet could rotate people in and out of the tent on that one credential. Great.

A general media area will be created where a reporter could watch for free, but the set-up is separate, unequal and clearly second class when it comes to getting top access to campaign people.

Doubtless, the Obama people think that covering Obama is a privilege and an honor, one that the media will gladly pay through the nose for. On the upside, perhaps such displays of arrogance will convince the media to stop covering for the Obama campaign's gaffes. Hope springs eternal, anyway.