You Paid For It: Tough Reporters Study

April 4 -- As most people know, asking government officials for answers to tough questions is part of a reporter's job description.

So, a National Science Foundation study looking at whether White House reporters have become more adversarial sounds a bit strange to reporters and critics. Even more surprising: the study cost taxpayers $180,000.

The press has a long tradition of sparring with government officials — as many American presidents know well.

"There has always been an adversary relationship between the press and the president," former President Nixon once said.

At President Bush's first press conference last February, veteran reporter Helen Thomas — considered the dean of the White House Press Corps — grilled President Bush about his "faith-based initiative" plan to aid the nation's churches. Thomas asked the president why he was breaking down the barriers between church and state.

"Helen, I strongly respect the separation of church and state," President Bush told her.

"You wouldn't have a religious office in the White House if you did," Thomas replied.

"I didn't get to finish my answer, with all due respect," Bush shot back.

Nasty Exchanges Not Unusual

The presidential press conference is a major opportunity for reporters to ask the tough questions, and that is often what happens. CNN's Wolf Blitzer pulled no punches when asking President Clinton about sending American troops to Serbia during the Kosovo refugee crisis in April 1999.

"What goes through your mind knowing you are going to, in effect, authorize the killing of these people for questionable military gain?" Blitzer asked.

Such questions, and the follow-up questions sometimes turn into nasty exchanges. Former President George Bush Sr. cut off a reporter who had been trying repeatedly to get a question answered.

"I am very sorry, you are dealing with someone who has made up his mind and we are trying to be courteous to everyone," Bush said. "Now, if you have a question for one of the other three then ask it. If not, sit down!"