Several weblogs are currently discussing whether some of the questions asked of George W. Bush in his recent press conference were prearranged. The premise here is that certain White House correspondents, to curry favor with the Oval Office, agree to ask certain questions to which Bush has scripted answers.
I don't think that's true. But I'll tell you what may be true.
Back in the famous Quiz Show Scandals, the horrifying revelation was that certain contestants had been given the questions and the answers in advance. That actually occurred on a small percentage of the shows that were "rigged." The way it worked on most fixed shows was like this…
You apply to be a contestant on a game show. They put you through a series of written tests, asking you hundreds of questions to see if you know enough to compete. Let's say you pass the test and get on the show. They can keep you from getting knocked off merely by asking you questions you got right on your test. When the time comes that they want you to lose, they can look back at your tests, see what you got wrong and ask you one of those, or something in that category. They can also get to know you and your areas of expertise, then formulate questions accordingly. You'll still be able to swear, "No one gave me the answer."
My suspicion is that some reporters discuss with White House aides, the question they intend to ask. Most presidents rehearse for press conferences with those aides. It would be very simple for the aides to know that the president has a good reply for a certain question and to suggest that he call on a certain reporter who will ask it. And the president can honestly say he hasn't been given the questions in advance.
I further suspect this situation has been the case with most presidents.