For Dana Perino, A Bruising Year

Press secretary Dana Perino's low-key way of interacting with reporters has set her apart from her predecessors in the Bush White House. (By Bill O'leary -- The Washington Post)
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Reporters agree that Perino has lowered the temperature. "She's affable and amiable and pleasant, unless she feels a reporter has been out of line," CBS's Knoller says. "The thing is, she doesn't hold grudges."

"At the beginning, there were times when she showed signs of being a little brittle," says NBC correspondent John Yang, but he says that has changed. "I find her very helpful away from the podium. She really gets what TV needs."

But the White House has paid a price for her politeness. Confrontational briefings make news. Sharp sound bites get replayed on television. By adopting a kinder and gentler approach, Perino has limited her ability to drive the administration's message at a time when interest in the incumbent was already waning.

When Obama visited the White House, Perino gave her successor, Robert Gibbs, a tour of the West Wing and explained how she does the job. After Bush leaves office, she plans to spend a few weeks as an AIDS relief volunteer in Africa and hopes to find a politically related job in Washington.

As last week's briefing was winding down, one reporter noted that Bush hadn't held a news conference since July and asked whether he was done with such sessions.

"Are you eager to have them back?" Perino asked.

She made no promises.

Obama Adulation Watch

Associated Press: "Many women recoil at the thought of baring their arms in sleeveless dresses or blouses, but not Michelle Obama -- half of the fabulously fit new first couple."

Howard Kurtz hosts CNN's weekly media program, "Reliable Sources."