From the very start, the McCain organization was flawed in its dealings with the traveling press corps. That may sound self-serving, but it’s an important indicator of how the campaign has handled other matters — like picking a running mate.

The Obama campaign has had a central and accessible message keeper in Bill Burton. For the vast majority of reporters dealing with the McCain press shop, it has been akin  to watching amateur hour at the Apollo.

This has been particularly true on the campaign plane, where the central message keepers have been Mark Salter, longtime McCain friend and speechwriter, and senior aide Nicole Wallace. Both have been helpful, particularly in waving off stories that weren’t true. But neither — nor anyone else, for that matter — could direct you to surrogates or connect you to people involved in the campaign. That’s what press secretaries are supposed to do — help you do your job.

This is not to say that the Obama campaign has been perfect in this regard. The organization’s discipline has too often meant a lack of access to the candidate, which has infuriated many reporters. For those who say the “media” are in love with Sen. Barack Obama, spend some time with reporters in a bar after a day on the trail. Half a beer in, you’ll realize the supposed gushing is largely a myth propagated by the likes of Fox News’ Sean Hannity and other conservatives.

While the Obama campaign is certainly not overly forthcoming, it provided a level of secondary access that a reporter could count on. Senior adviser Robert Gibbs, for instance, was always willing to spend a few minutes to talk with you, and press secretary Jennifer Psaki proved invaluable in helping you get what you needed when you needed it. At the very least, the Obama folks always knew where your bags were and made every effort to get you on and off the trail with as little hassle as possible.  While a small matter, it showed the campaign’s superb attention to detail and efficiency.

The race is certainly not over. But should McCain be able to pull out out one last comeback, it won’t be because his organization made it possible. If anything,  he would win in spite of it.

Sitting here with this group of journalists, print and television, I’m reminded of an interesting moment last night in Asheville, N.C.

Palin met a raucous crowd — I estimated around 10,000 people. She got her fans going with a number of points, including victory in Iraq, meeting the education needs of children with disabilities and, of course, calling out the media for its biased coverage.

At one point, when Palin brought up the press, the crowd on the floor of the arena turned toward us and let out some disapproving “boos” and the thumbs down sign. (No threats of violence, don’t worry Mom!)

After the rally, a woman in her late 40s or early 50s approached me and asked if the press has a suggestion box. I was puzzled at first, and explained that we each work for a different outlet — so there isn’t a general place to contact all of us. She repeated again that she wants to know why there is no suggestion box, a bit more irritated with me this time.

I paused, trying to think how I could help this woman out. It sounded like she wanted to voice a grievance or request some kind of investigation.

I suggested writing a letter to the editor, or emailing any of us. I said she can contact any of us directly or our editors, in fact.

She became more visibly annoyed at my response and said, “So there is no suggestion box, then” and rolled her eyes and walked away.

What struck me about this was the way she asked if we are the McCain press. She seemed to see us as a monolithic unit, rather than individuals looking for our own angles and stories to report.

I was sorry that she walked away so angry; that she believed there was no way to reach us.

In that spirit, let me leave you with a virtual suggestion box. Comments, questions, suggestions are all welcome. Email me anytime at lmcgann@washingtonindependent.com.