You've just crossed over into...

I'm a little torn as to where to come down on Vice President Cheney's hunting accident. On one hand, who do the press think they are? How can they so be outraged that it took "almost 24 hours" for them to hear of the incident. On the other, when will Cheney, et al, learn?
My initial reaction is, if I caused injury to someone, especially an old friend it would certainly not be my first thought to call a reporter. I'd call for help, for an ambulance, for the police. I'd call the victims loved ones, my loved ones. Hell, I might even call for a pizza before I thought of the press. Now had it happened in his office, well, that's a different story. Granted, I am not the Vice President (at least you don't know if I am), but the guy was on vacation for goodness' sakes! Hunting with a buddy. Relaxing. As his old friend fell from Cheney's own hand, Cheney's first thought was probably NOT, "How can avoid political damage from this?". I don't think that's how his mind works, I don't think that's how most decent people's minds work. Not everyone plans long-term political strategy while drunk, treading water, as their car sinks with their date inside.
In regard to the second point. When will Bush, Cheney and the Republicans learn that they are not dealing with normal people here. That they have entered different realm. But not a realm of sight and sound. A realm where appearance is more important than intention. Where spin is more important than reality. Listen to the inflammatory phrases used by the press: "Cheney shoots hunting partner!", "Cheney finally breaks his silence!", "White House under the gun!", "Questions persist in Cheney shooting!", "Cheney to face charges!"! Come on, have some common sense and compassion, you would think he gunned this guy down in the street. Regardless, the Bush administration seems to be behind the learning curve when it comes to dealing with the press. They must know by now that it's imperative for them to be out in front of every story. I suspect sometimes that they are just too decent to figure out the devious, twisted thinking in Washington but, hey, that's why you hire advisers and press experts.