We’re glad to see that someone did some of that reporting thing and asked the White House about their press briefing transcript commissar-disappearing act. As you may recall, CQ reported that the WH’s official transcript of the Oct. 31 briefing differed dramatically from the independent transcripts provided CQ and the Federal News Service. The former had McClellan stiffly contradicting the assertion that Scooter Libby and Karl Rove “had conversations” about Valerie Plame: “I don’t think that’s accurate.” According to CQ and FNS, McClellan was more candid: “That’s accurate.” The White House stands by their version, with flak Dana Perino arguing she knows it to be correct because “the White House stenographer was in the room and I was in the room.” We’ve watched the video and we have to say, if Perino was in the room it wasn’t the briefing room. It was Room 101. MORE »

Usually, the White House just puts words into Scott McClellan’s mouth. Last week, the press office tried to wrench them into the transcripts of White House briefings provided by CQ and the Federal News Service. At issue: McClellan’s uncharacteristically candid affirmation of a statement by NBC’s David Gregory, set forth by CQ and FNS as:

The White House heard it differently: The thoughtful White House press operation called CQ and FNS to complain. Er, to correct. Media maven Dana Perino told CQ she “just [wanted] to let you know it is not accurate, as you had it in the transcript.” Also, she added, war is peace and freedom is slavery. FYI.

Full CQ story after the jump. DISCLAIMER: We hesitate to rob CQ of their $35K a year per sub by providing this article free of charge, especially since some portion of that fee pays the rent. Another portion goes for the gin. Also, Chris Lehmann is my husband.

Watch for yourself here. The exchange starts about 5:30 into the briefing.

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