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Scott Jennings Has An All-Time Response To CNN Host Mentioning Him Losing Press Secretary Job
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CNN’s Scott Jennings made an eye-roll for the ages on Tuesday after host Abby Phillip nodded to him losing the White House press secretary job to Katie Zacharia, whose disaster of a debut made headlines earlier in the day. Jennings — who was reportedly in the running to replace Karoline Leavitt, apparently going so far as to send clips from his radio show to senior White House officials — sat just feet away from Phillip when she asked aloud why the “bar is so low” for filling positions in President Donald Trump’s administration. “Why can’t the president hire somebody who is qualified, who actually knows how to speak publicly, who can handle the job?” began the “CNN Newsnight” host, adding, “It’s not like there are not people who can do that.” She then turned to Jennings, who was sitting to her left, “Maybe one of them is sitting at the table today, I don’t know.” The camera then cut to Jennings, who lightly shook his head and rolled his eyes back before appearing to take a deep breath. Phillip: Why can't the president hire somebody who actually knows how to speak publicly? Maybe one of them is sitting at the table. Jennings: 🙄 pic.twitter.com/654E5kHHt3 Earlier in the CNN panel discussion, Jennings said he was giving Zacharia “a little grace” after her first press briefing, a performance that saw the likes of Joe Lockhart, who was in the post under former President Bill Clinton, questioning if she was “ready” to do the job. The Republican pundit told Phillip that it’s “tough to be thrown out there” in the briefing room before declaring that Leavitt — who left the job in August, citing family reasons — was a “tough act to follow.” “So my advice would be take a few days, get briefed, hang around the building, talk to the cabinet, talk to the staff, particularly the national security staff. Feel like you’re in the jet stream of how the issues are being discussed in the building,” he began. “And that will make you feel more comfortable and prepared for the next one.” He concluded, “But look, you know, everybody’s had tough days in whatever job they’ve had. She might have had one today, but they’ll be better days.” By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
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