In the White House press briefing Thursday, one reporter tried to charm Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood into stealing President Barack Obama’s thunder.

“Mr. Secretary, can you talk about the deal that’s going to be announced tomorrow between auto companies and the administration to hike fuel-efficiency standards?” a reporter named Dave asked.

“Well, if I want to keep my job, the last thing I’m going to do is talk about what the president is going to talk about tomorrow,” LaHood responded.

“Come on,” Dave cajoled.

“You know, I know that maybe I don’t look very smart, but I have survived 35 years around here,” LaHood said. “Stay tuned, Dave.”

Just then another reporter jumped in all Eddie Haskell style: “Mr. Secretary, thank you. You are smart. You’re doing a good job.”

“Oh, thank you,” LaHood replied.

Poor ol’ Dave, he just gets no love at all.