As the legend goes, the press only received access to the White House after President Theodore Roosevelt saw a group of reporters standing out in the rain…and invited them inside! In fact, journalists have always had access to the White House. But, over the years, as administrations have become wary of negative media, that access has evolved. Today, the White House Press Room, built over an old indoor swimming pool by the Nixon administration, is the center of journalism at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Each day, the White House Press Office briefs the press and answers questions on the goings-on of the White House and the world.