Topic: White House Press Briefing

12 chapters across the catalog

Peanut Butter Spies
Episode 1490 37:24 - 42:07

1490: Peanut Butter Spies

Karine Jean-Pierre, Top of Mind Explanation

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended President Biden's search for the late Jackie Walorski by stating she was "top of mind" due to an upcoming bill signing. Press corps members challenged this explanation, noting that the President's remarks clearly indicated he expected her to be physically present in the room.

Heart Dart
Episode 1474 22:14 - 25:15

1474: Heart Dart

Karine Jean-Pierre Performance, Supreme Court Rhetoric

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has faced criticism for her repetitive use of the phrase "I don't have anything" during briefings. Additionally, her comments labeling a Supreme Court decision as "unconstitutional" have sparked debate regarding her understanding of the judicial branch's role. Critics argue her performance relies heavily on scripted talking points.

Quarantine Dodgers
Episode 1320 2:42:15 - 2:43:59

1320: Quarantine Dodgers

Jen Psaki, "Circle Back" Supercut

A supercut of White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is played, highlighting her frequent use of the phrase "circle back" and her tendency to label every reporter's inquiry as a "great question" without providing substantive answers. The hosts contrast this with the media's portrayal of her as "refreshing" compared to the Trump administration.

OTARD
Episode 1147 2:39:36 - 2:41:22

1147: OTARD

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Resignation

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.

Dog Dazer
Episode 1031 9:48 - 11:22

1031: Dog Dazer

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Credibility Crisis

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is facing intense scrutiny regarding her credibility following the Rudy Giuliani revelations. Media critics argue that her previous denials of the Stormy Daniels payment have rendered her ineffective in her role. This shift in perception follows the White House Correspondents' Dinner where she was criticized by comedian Michelle Wolf.

House of Trolls
Episode 978 4:11:53 - 4:15:12

978: House of Trolls

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Beer Tax Analogy

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders attempted to explain the U.S. tax system using an analogy about ten reporters drinking beer at a bar. The complex verbal explanation, intended to show how tax cuts benefit different income brackets, was criticized as confusing and an "embarrassment." Critics suggest that a visual aid or whiteboard would have been more effective than the lengthy spoken story.

About Face!
Episode 729 15:05 - 18:31

729: About Face!

White House Bomb Threat, Press Evacuation and Secret Service

A bomb threat called into the White House on Tuesday forced the evacuation of the press briefing room while Josh Earnest was speaking. While the press was moved deep into the executive building campus, President Obama and other high-ranking officials were not evacuated or told to shelter in place. The Secret Service sweep involved dogs but no robots, leading to questions about the actual severity of the threat.

Selling the Monet
Episode 341 59:04 - 1:03:48

341: Selling the Monet

Jay Carney, Ron Suskind Book and Wikipedia

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney dismissed Ron Suskind's new book, "Confidence Men," claiming it contained factual errors and passages lifted from Wikipedia. Carney's physical tells during the press briefing, specifically sticking out his tongue, are interpreted as signs of dishonesty. The discussion also touches on the ease with which the administration could manipulate Wikipedia entries to discredit critics.

Aromatic Poo
Episode 327 10:01 - 12:40

327: Aromatic Poo

Jay Carney White House Briefing, Obama Auto-Pen Signing

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney faced questions regarding when President Obama would sign the debt legislation and whether he would use an auto-pen. Despite Carney's initial suggestion that the signing would be done by hand, he later announced mid-briefing that the bill had been signed, leading to speculation that an auto-pen was utilized for the immediate execution of the law.

Axis of Abuse
Episode 325 44:13 - 49:06

325: Axis of Abuse

Jay Carney, White House Press Leak Admission

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.

By Executive Order
Episode 271 35:12 - 39:34

271: By Executive Order

White House Press Briefing and Executive Order Distractions

Adam Curry describes monitoring White House press briefings via a Roku box to find "the bear in the background"—significant news hidden by distractions. He identifies a brief, off-mic exchange involving Robert Gibbs regarding a new executive order as a signal of a major regulatory shift.