For years, when asked to explain the media's fondness for John McCain, reporters have pointed to the “access” he gives them -- his willingness to face, and answer, any question at any time. There has always been as much hype as reality to this claim (and how hard is it to offer reporters “access” if you know they won't print anything embarrassing?)

But now Kevin Drum and David Corn note that the McCain campaign is keeping Sarah Palin away from reporters.

No doubt all those reporters who have gushed over McCain's openness over the years are, at this very moment, busy writing up denunciations of him for limiting access to his VP pick.