Soon-to-be-President Obama has a few rules for inauguration volunteers: no chewing gum, no talking to the press, no trash-talking the ceremony.
Washington City Paper got a look at the Presidential Inaugural Committee's volunteer manual and finds a heavy emphasis on dealing with cranky reporters. "Members of the media are frequently working under tight deadlines and can sometimes be demanding. It is critical you remain calm and treat the media with respect and courtesy," reads the manual. Hear, hear!
The rules:
"1. Under no circumstances should you speak to the media or otherwise represent PIC (Presidential Inaugural Committee)....
3. In directing media personnel to the appropriate resources, remain polite and considerate regardless of the behavior of the media representatives. Members of the media are frequently working under tight deadlines and can sometimes be demanding. It is critical you remain calm and treat the media with respect and courtesy.
4. Do not criticize event activities, fellow volunteers, or PIC during public events. If you perceive a problem, seek to rectify it. Our purpose is to project a positive image of Washington, DC and the Inauguration."