Could You Survive a Day as a White House Press Secretary?

It’s your first press briefing. You walk up to the podium. What’s your opening move?

A reporter from a major network asks a loaded question, accusing the administration of a cover-up. What’s your immediate response?

The President just tweeted something that contradicts official administration policy. The first question is, “Can you clarify the President’s tweet?”

A sensitive internal memo is leaked. A reporter holds up a copy and asks you to confirm its authenticity.

A reporter keeps asking the same question you’ve already answered three times. How do you shut it down?

In the middle of a tense discussion about foreign policy, a reporter asks, “What’s the name of the new White House puppy?”

You’re presented with new data showing unemployment has ticked up, contrary to your administration’s optimistic projections.

The briefing was brutal. You’ve been grilled for an hour. What’s your closing line as you leave the podium?