Topic: White House Press Secretary

16 chapters across the catalog

Swasticars
Episode 1738 1:07:16 - 1:10:43

1738: Swasticars

Karoline Leavitt and White House Press Briefing Style

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is praised for her fast-paced and assertive briefing style compared to her predecessors. The discussion notes her ability to handle the press without relying on large binders, contrasting her with Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre. The hosts also offer minor critiques of her television makeup and presentation.

Swedish Fish
Episode 1588 1:20:13 - 1:23:31

1588: Swedish Fish

White House Linguistics, The Word Cadence

The hosts highlight the sudden, repetitive use of the word "cadence" by White House officials when describing President Biden's COVID-19 testing schedule. They analyze dictionary definitions to determine why the administration has pivoted away from the word "schedule."

CL0P
Episode 1565 1:10:58 - 1:14:43

1565: CL0P

Karine Jean-Pierre Hatch Act Violation and Historic Status

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was found to have violated the Hatch Act by using her official position to make partisan comments about "Mega Republicans." In a separate interview, she described herself as a "historic figure" walking through history every day.

2022 Best of End of Show Mixes Special
Episode 1508 2:02:21 - 2:04:11

1508: 2022 Best of End of Show Mixes Special

Karine Jean-Pierre Becomes White House Press Secretary

Karine Jean-Pierre is introduced as the new White House Press Secretary, making history as the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person in the role. Jean-Pierre emphasizes that "representation matters" and that she stands on the shoulders of "barrier-breaking people" who came before her. The segment highlights the administration's focus on diversity and the vital role of the press in democracy.

Wack o' Wibs
Episode 1499 1:52:03 - 1:54:55

1499: Wack o' Wibs

Karine Jean-Pierre, Very Clear Supercut

A supercut highlights White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s frequent use of the phrase "the President has been very clear" to deflect specific questions. The hosts compare this rhetorical tactic to the "Emperor's New Clothes" fable, suggesting it is used to assert a reality that is not apparent to the public. They also lament the loss of classic fables in modern education.

Toxic Stew
Episode 1452 2:53:29 - 2:57:22

1452: Toxic Stew

Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary

Karine Jean-Pierre has replaced Jen Psaki as the White House Press Secretary. The hosts review Jean-Pierre's history as an MSNBC contributor, where she frequently labeled political opponents as racists. They suggest her appointment is based on identity politics and predict her tenure will provide significant material for the show's media deconstruction.

Mark of the Mask
Episode 1316 2:58:25 - 3:01:52

1316: Mark of the Mask

Jen Psaki, Circle Back Compilation

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has frequently used the phrase "circle back" when unable to answer questions during press briefings. A viral compilation highlights dozens of instances where Psaki promised to return to a topic later. The hosts discuss her performance as the new "spokeshole" for the Biden administration.

Infodemic
Episode 1261 1:52:19 - 1:56:28

1261: Infodemic

Kayleigh McEnany's Press Binder and John Karl's Critique

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany's detailed briefing binder, featuring over 50 tabs on subjects like "Goya" and "Flynn," has become a point of media fascination. Outgoing White House Correspondents Association president John Karl appeared on "The View" to criticize McEnany, claiming she has turned briefings into partisan political events rather than public service announcements.

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.

Fact Checkmate
Episode 887 25:38 - 28:07

887: Fact Checkmate

Sean Spicer, Politico Twitter Disinvitation Claim

Sean Spicer, a likely candidate for White House Press Secretary, confronted Politico over a story claiming he disinvited Twitter from a tech meeting with Donald Trump. Spicer asserted that Twitter was never invited and that Politico failed to verify the claim before publishing. The incident is presented as an example of "provocative" journalism and the spread of unverified headlines.

After Spin Class
Episode 652 16:33 - 19:08

652: After Spin Class

Josh Earnest and White House Press Briefing Style

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest is criticized for his performance during briefings, with the hosts comparing his flat jokes and demeanor to characters in the television show "Veep." Earnest's explanation of "destroying ISIL" and the threat of foreign fighters is dismissed as repetitive rhetoric. The hosts argue that the administration is attempting to stabilize the region without committing traditional combat troops.

Plague Grenade
Episode 651 1:30:19 - 1:32:46

651: Plague Grenade

Jay Carney at CNN, Media Revolving Door

The hosts express disgust at former White House Press Secretary Jay Carney being hired as a CNN analyst only months after leaving his government post. They characterize Carney as a "shill" for the Obama administration who continues to use the same talking points on air.

Dr. Watson I presume?
Episode 279 1:03:48 - 1:06:09

279: Dr. Watson I presume?

Jay Carney, White House Press Briefing and Iranian Warships

New White House Press Secretary Jay Carney held his first briefing, replacing Robert Gibbs. During the session, he was questioned about Iranian warships planning to sail through the Suez Canal to Syria. Carney's response was seen as stumbling, as he deferred the "provocation" query to the State Department while attempting to use the "look" authoritative pause favored by the administration.

Who Is John Brek?
Episode 141 1:09:11 - 1:12:40

141: Who Is John Brek?

Michelle Obama's White House Staffing and Job Creation

The hosts review a report from the Canada Free Press alleging that First Lady Michelle Obama has a staff of over 20 people. They read through various titles, including multiple deputies and social secretaries, jokingly suggesting this is the administration's actual method of job creation.

The King of Beers
Episode 33 10:04 - 13:53

33: The King of Beers

Scott McClellan White House Memoir Controversy

Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan has released a tell-all book detailing his tenure from 2003 to 2006. The memoir alleges that the Bush administration misled the American public to initiate the Iraq War and describes the internal dynamics of figures like Condoleezza Rice, Karl Rove, and Dick Cheney. The discussion touches on the motivations behind the book and the potential risks faced by whistleblowers in high-level government positions.