Bought and paid for

So who's minding the store? Via RJ Eskow:

CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush played host to the White House press corps Thursday night for a private off-the-record dinner at his ranch.

[. . .]

The event was not held last year because of the busy campaign season. The invitations to the reporters were issued on the condition that they not discuss conversations at the event. [my emphasis]

Doesn't anyone have a clue how this looks? Does anyone know the meaning of perception and conflict of interest? I'm tired of the collegial relationship between the WH Press Corpse and the administration. Not when there are so many skeletons rattling around in so many closets. How do you trust a press corps who swears fealty to this corrupt administration for the price of a free meal?