NYT Puts Three Staffers on White House Beer Photo-Op Story

The New York Times must have been very excited about President Obama's beer photo op with Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Sgt. James Crowley. Because, you know, it will resolve all racial tension in the US. So they committed three staffers to covering the event. Even though none of them were allowed to actually be there for the duration of the meeting.

So here's their probing coverage and analysis:

It’s Begun | 6:24 p.m.

Helene Cooper: At 6:12, reporters and photographers were allowed in for a scant 40 seconds, where they could view the four men sitting around a table drinking out of frosty beer mugs. Four men, you ask? Weren’t there supposed to be three—President Obama, Professor Gates, and Sgt. Crowley?

And Vice President Joseph Biden! He was there too. In fact, during the brief time that the press could watch the goings-on, Mr. Biden leaned across the table towards Sgt. Crowley and said something. At another point, Sgt. Crowley gesturing with his hands, said something to Professor Gates.

And then, the press was ushered out.

How exhilarating and important.

If, for some reason, you care and want to read the rest -- Jeff Zeleny provides much-needed historical context, detailing President Obama's previous beer-related photo ops -- here it is.

And here's the pool report.