By: Shawn Moynihan Since taking a stand against the meaningless non-answer to everything, "It is what it is," in a pair of recent columns -- inspired by comments from White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, and then Britney Spears -- I've been waiting anxiously for its re-appearance in the current controversy over the Cheney shooting.
Sure enough, finally, on Tuesday McClellan came through. During his second day of tough questioning on the vice president's shooting accident, McClellan finally told the White House press corps, "I was glad to answer your questions, but I think we went through it thoroughly yesterday. It is what it is, and I think it's time to move for the American people."
In fact, it was the second time today he used the phrase-that-doesn't-pay. (Thanks, Scott. I knew you wouldn't let me down.) Here's an excerpt from Tuesday's White House briefing that includes the first reference.
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Q Does the president have a view about how the vice president's conducted himself?
MR. MCCLELLAN: Again, that's what I've -- I indicated to you yesterday what our views were, and we went through this --
Q I don't recall you sharing the president's view.
MR. MCCLELLAN: Yeah. But can I finish responding? I am glad to answer your questions. I was very respectful --
Q You didn't answer that question --
MR. MCCLELLAN: I was very respectful and responsive to you all --
Q The vice president basically decided on his own to not disclose this, which is at odds with how you do business and how the president does business. Right?
MR. MCCLELLAN: I don't want to make this about anything other than what it is. It is what it is, David.
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Have you seen this dopey phrase invoked where it shouldn't be? Which is to say, any time? Join the "It Is What It Is" Watch today. Send your examples to smoynihan@editorandpublisher.com, and we'll post some of them in this space.
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