SPECIAL REPORT | Jen Psaki may have taken a leaf out of 'Designated Survivor' White House press secy Seth Wright
Jen Psaki, immaculate-looking in a blue outfit and not a strand of hair out of place, is a bundle of laughter and nerves. Minutes before her first White House Press Briefing, she does a bit of a jig that's born out of some nervous excitement. It's fun to watch really, and honestly, there really appeared to be "no pressure" as she strode out to be the face of the White House to the United States Press. She's 42, but for those watching the behind-the-scenes footage courtesy of The Circle, Psaki doesn't look older than 35.
And just to be clear, we're not Gavin Wax to compare her with former Press Secretaries. And this story isn't about Psaki's beauty, and nor should it be. There's nothing new about Psaki the country doesn't know about. She served as a spokesperson during the Barack Obama administration and that means there's enough experience to know how press conferences can pan out. And watching her talk without a stutter, or a Joey-like pause, the first impression is pretty solid: "She's impressive."
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Perhaps, Psaki took some notes out of Kal Penn's Seth Wright from 'Designated Survivor'. Penn plays the White House Press Secretary, a role he's pushed to after being introduced as the speechwriter. The ABC political drama that ran on the network for two seasons and was then acquired by Netflix that released a final season, saw Penn cement his credentials as a versatile actor among other renowned faces. That he was one of the most-favored characters over Kiefer Sutherland's President Tom Kirkman provides every reason to binge the three-season drama.
Penn's Wright was a sphinx. He gave nothing away. He was pro-active, he had his answers checked, double-checked, and bullet-proofed. Journalist slip-ups and media relations were made note of and he had eyes and ears everywhere. That isn't to say he wasn't easy-going. There were a few laughs to ease tensions in the briefing room, there were witty remarks, there were quips, and also some wicked humor that he brought to the podium.
Psaki's no different. She's not minced her words, she stated she "knows the power of the podium" and she also admitted she knew "the importance of setting an example of engagement and transparency." That didn't make her life any easy. And despite being very Wright-ish, she drew flak for her comments on Space Force and for snubbing Peter Doocy's questions on the Keystone pipeline job losses.
"Where is it that they can go for their green job?" the Fox News reporter asked. "That is something the administration has promised and there is now a gap so I’m just curious when that happens when those people can count on that?" Doocy further added.
Psaki's response was quick: "Well, I’d certainly welcome you to present your data of all the thousands and thousands of people who won’t be getting a green job.” And phat came the quip: "Maybe next time you’re here you can present that." The next time was a counter for the Fox journalist's question on President Joe Biden’s claim that Trump’s covid-related travel ban on China was "xenophobic."
"I don't think that's quite a fair articulation," she responded. "The president has been clear that he felt the Muslim ban was xenophobic. He overturned the Muslim ban. He also, though, has supported steps, travel restrictions, in order to keep the American people safe, to ensure that we are getting the pandemic under control.
She was quick to make note of the errs. Soon after the Space Force jab, Psaki issued an apology on Twitter: We look forward to the continuing work of Space Force and invite the members of the team to come to visit us in the briefing room anytime to share an update on their important work."
This irked the lawmakers from the Republican camp as they slammed Psaki, saying her comment was disgraceful. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) demanded Psaki should immediately apologize. "It’s concerning to see the Biden administration’s press secretary blatantly diminish an entire branch of our military as the punchline of a joke, which I’m sure China would find funny,” Rogers said, according to Trending politics.
"The Space Force was passed with near-unanimous support in Congress, the same type of ‘unity’ President Biden is supposedly working towards,” he added. “Jen Psaki needs to immediately apologize to the men and women of the Space Force for this disgraceful comment."
Twitter's response, especially for those miffed with Psaki's approach and tone to the media, made a quick assessment that she wouldn't last long. However, The Independent's Andrew Buncombe says her review by the press inside the White House appears favorable.
So there's Psaki. Courteous, but not too over-friendly. Makes no qualms, no faffing, and if there are no concrete answers, she's vowed to get back with some. Very Wright-like, so to speak. And then's there's that quality of giving the respect the Press deserves. In the age of clickbait where a sneeze is the news and a stutter is a headline, Psaki's composure, and respect mean she's using her honeymoon period pretty well. It's a fish-to-the-water situation and again, another leaf right out of Seth Wright's How to' manual.
The good start was further boosted when he roped in experts or members of senior administration. Dr. Anthony Fauci and Brian Deese are just some common examples where they talk and the keyboards would furiously make notes, while the Dictaphones would record. The Democrats have been gushing about Psaki and in their defense, they have every right to.
For now, much of Psaki's career depends on how the Biden administration fares in the days to come. But at the moment, her start is pretty good. And if she's watched Penn and 'Designated Survivor', maybe there are a few more tips and tricks the fictional Seth Wright may have to offer when it comes to countering controversial topics.
