White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders continues to confuse the White House press, this time by bafflingly calling on the spirit of Thanksgiving. During the Monday press briefing, Huckabee Sanders told the journalists assembled that if they wished to ask a question they must first announce what they were thankful for (you know, like you have to do in kindergarten.)
“So this is how it’s going to work today, since I’m here and I get to call on you,” she said. “If you want to ask a question, I think it’s only fair, since I’ve shared what I’m thankful for, that you start off with what you’re thankful for.”
Huckabee Sanders got the ball rolling by stating what she was thankful for first, per Mediaite:
“Obviously you probably know, and it’s clearly no secret, that I’m clearly very thankful for all of you,” she told the journalists assembled, and was met with laughter. She also listed her family, her faith, soldiers currently serving in the military, policemen, fireman and first responders.
Happy Thanksgiving: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Asked W.H. Press Corps To Share What They Are Thankful For: https://t.co/rIcFp4LkOH
— Stacy Washington (@StacyOnTheRight) November 21, 2017
Most of the reporters complied with Huckabee Sanders’ strange rule of the day, and she answered questions of those who refrained from sharing. Zeke Miller of The Associated Press was reprimanded for breaking the rule when asking about Donald Trump’s possible Supreme Court candidates, and Miller quickly replied that he was grateful for the question.
The first reporter called on for questions, April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks, was sure to give a snarky answer. After listing her life, children, and 20 years on the job, Ryan said she was thankful “to be able to talk to [Huckabee Sanders] and question you every single day.” Huckabee Sanders was quick with a response: “I feel the gratefulness there,” she said, and Ryan shot right back at her. “I hope you felt the passion of my thankfulness.”
Ryan wasn’t the only one to give a snappy response. Cecilia Vega of ABC News said that she was thankful for the First Amendment, prompting a round of “oohs” from others in the room.
Journalists on Twitter also participated, with many taking the opportunity to express their disdain for President Donald Trump and Huckabee Sanders’ rule.
I am thankful for not having to go to the briefing room every day
— Asawin Suebsaeng (@swin24) November 20, 2017
I’m thankful for the millions of Americans in #TheResistance who are helping to save our country from this moronic dope of a kindergartner.
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) November 20, 2017
I’m thankful to have never sat through a White House press briefing where I was expected to say what I was thankful for.
— Angela GreilingKeane (@agreilingkeane) November 20, 2017
I am thankful for the 1st Amendment.
(which I think protects me from having to say what I am thankful for.)
— John Berman (@JohnBerman) November 20, 2017
As Huckabee Sanders has a track record for evading questions and being combative with the press, this latest incident appeared to be more of an exercise in frustration than gratitude.