There is no getting around the fact that the PM is having difficulty accepting criticism of his government and in particular, him.  The focus and attention of  the G&M on this story has angered him.  He is being held to account for less than stellar democratic behaviour of he and his ministers being open to suggestion and implementing them, for a price.   He is now entrenched in defending what he knows cannot be defended.  He thought he could ride out the storm but that is not going to happen.  This political behaviour is abhorrent to Canadians, which they regard as corrupt, as it is they who will pay the bill for the consequences.  The PM does not serve himself well for being openly hypocritical on this issue.  And his comment about supporting the middle class is contemptible arrogance directed towards the media and Canadians.