The background briefings is really just 'seed planting'. They are providing information they intentionally want to have out in the future, it's preparatory and

The background briefings is really just 'seed planting'. They are providing information they intentionally want to have out in the future, it's preparatory and both sides know it. It's the careful dissemination of information. From the article: "They’re invited to a background briefing, one of Washington’s most common, and little examined, rituals for the transmission of official spin, talking points and, occasionally, actual news."