Related to Hank's good find in The Phoenix posted under Watercooler.  http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid55461.aspx  This really tells it like it is in the reporter v flackdom world. Fehrnstrom reminds me very much of a person (who shall remain nameless) who I often dealt with because he was the mouthpiece for a former governor.

This guy's thing was all about being confrontational. Pretty much didn't matter what you were calling about. Guess he thught he could intimidate reporters into softening their approach, and it may have worked in some instance, but usually it would just tick you off. Maybe he was just a very angry person. What a fun way to live, constantly mad, or at least pretending to be.

Fortunately, in my experience, this was the exception not the rule. Obviously spokes folks have a vested interest in protecting the reputation of their guy or gal, but they also understand the need for a working and workable relationship with he press. 

That said, I believe Fehrnstrom at least did the right thing in pulling Romney away from more confrontation with Johnson. I think Johnson was asking some legitimate questions, but maybe could have finessed it better. As Debra mentioned, it's likely that Johnson will pay for the dust up, especially in light of all the national attention.

The relationships between the press and pols are symbiotic for sure. I liken it to a dance where the partners stay at arm's length and each takes turns leading.  Which, sometimes, also makes it downright weird, but always interesting.

-- tc brown  2/1