Ari Resigning

Washington Post -- Democrats said future press secretaries may replicate Fleischer. "My approach definitely was kill 'em with kindness, but there's absolutely no evidence it produced more favorable press coverage," said Michael McCurry, press secretary to President Bill Clinton. "President Bush expects much more disciplined, controlled and taut press relations. Arguably, it has produced much better press coverage for them."

Fleischer was so parsimonious with information that in a single briefing shortly after Bush took office, he appeared to say he did not comment on the past, present or future. "I don't confirm, deny or speculate," he once said.

Outside commentary on Fleischer's tenure has been harsh. Timothy Noah wrote in the online magazine Slate that Fleischer's "ability to repeat a lie even after it's been shown, repeatedly, to be false is what separates him from the amateurs."

Joe Lockhart, McCurry's successor, said a difficult job was "made even more so by this president's penchant for absolute secrecy."

Some Ariisms.