'That's above my pay grade'

So said a White House press aide in Ottawa a few minutes ago when asked for comment on today's Toronto Star story, which has the Liberals crying foul because opposition leader Michael Ignatieff has been relegated to a mere 15-minute encounter with Barack Obama at an airport hanger today just before the President returns to Washington. Press aide: "Stephen Harper is responsible for scheduling the President's meetings? Really?" The Star: "You tell us. Who works out the protocol?" Press aide: "I don't know. I don't get that far into the weeds. That's above my pay grade." He then backed slowly out of the room. Needless to say, everyone's being very careful not to sound any sour notes in Ottawa today. -- Mitch Potter