Topic: Media Briefings

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced her resignation, effective at the end of June 2019, to return to Arkansas. Her tenure was noted for the reduction of traditional daily press briefings. The hosts criticize the "vicious" reaction to her departure on social media from political opponents.

Heather Nauert's debut as the State Department spokesperson is reviewed. The hosts comment on her use of a large briefing binder and her professional but pleasant interaction with veteran reporter Matt Lee, noting a change in tone from previous administrations.

Sean Spicer's first press briefing was marked by an aggressive tone toward the media, specifically calling out a Time Magazine reporter for a false tweet about the MLK Jr. bust. Spicer signaled a new era of "press shaming" where the administration will actively challenge mainstream narratives.

ABC News reporting is criticized for its juxtaposition of House Speaker Paul Ryan calling for Hillary Clinton to lose access to classified information while showing footage of Donald Trump arriving for his second intelligence briefing. The hosts analyze this as a form of subtle propaganda that highlights the contrast between the two candidates' current standing with federal agencies.

A PR briefing for the Assad interview highlights the reach of the ABC News and Yahoo partnership, claiming access to 100 million people. The document outlines key talking points including the Syrian crackdown and army defectors.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney is criticized for his dismissive tone during briefings and an accidental admission regarding the administration's use of leaks. During a back-and-forth about secret meetings with Congress, Carney mentions "handfuls [of meetings] that we still haven't leaked," confirming the intentional placement of stories in the media.