Washington: It’s a Silly Place

ABC News’ Ann Compton Reports: At his off-camera gaggle, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow commented on the Speaker Pelosi’s Air Force plane request and the ensuing controversy saying, "This is a silly story."

Snow jumped at the chance to explain again that of course the Speaker should be offered "the appropriate conveyance" in the name of post-9/11 security.

With that said, he insisted the details are up to the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House and the Department of Defense although "the White House is keeping an eye on it." 

Snow was unaware of the Department of Defense’s statement last night offering the Hastert plane when available.  The type of plane is "not the White House purview," Snow added, and the former FOX reporter wouldn’t speculate on whether a refueling stop put the Speaker at increased security risk.

The betting among White House staff, however, is that she will get a non-stop plane when she needs one.