Another day, another zinger from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
And this time, all she had to do was cite the First Amendment.
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy attempted to "gotcha" Psaki at today's White House press conference by asking about Olympian Gwen Barry's protest at a recent event.
Unfortunately for him, the unflappable Psaki was ready with the perfect answer--and a quick civics lesson too. You can see her response below.
Psaki on Biden's response to an athlete turning her back on the flag: "He's incredibly proud to be an American ... part of that pride in our country means recognizing there are moments where we as a country haven't lived up to our highest ideals."pic.twitter.com/YMOVAeYu29— The Post Millennial (@The Post Millennial) 1624900248
Doocy, it seems, is among the many conservatives who are outraged over Barry, who ignited a firestorm on the right after she turned her back on the American flag during the National Anthem at an Olympic qualifying event. Barry, who is Black, has been an outspoken activist for racial justice throughout her athletic career.
Seemingly attempting to use Barry to trap Psaki into painting Democratic President Joe Biden as unpatriotic, Doocy asked if Biden felt Barry's behavior was "appropriate... for someone who hopes to represent Team USA?"
Psaki did not take the bait for even a moment. First, she clarified the nature of Biden's patriotism.
"I haven't spoken to the President specifically about this. But I know he's incredibly proud to be an American, and has great respect for the anthem, and all that it represents especially for our men and women serving in uniform all around the world.
And then she hit Doocy with the civics lesson he clearly slept through in high school.
"He would also say of course that part of that pride in our country means recognizing there are moments where we are as a country haven't lived up to our highest ideals, and it means respecting the right of people, granted to them in the constitution to peacefully protest."
Any other questions, Mr. Doocy?
On Twitter, people loved Psaki's subtle, straight-to-the-point clap back.
She is just outstanding. Best PressSec ever!— JenH (@JenH) 1624904088
WOW, another great Jen-Psakian moment !!!— Ron Ferguson (@Ron Ferguson) 1624911960
LOVE this honorable Press Secretary Psaki!!!\n\nJen is simply the best!!!— DocBass (@DocBass) 1624908969
#PsakiBombhttps://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/1409559924405936130\u00a0\u2026— JS-Success \ud83c\udf0a Rerum cognoscere causas #JoeKamila20 (@JS-Success \ud83c\udf0a Rerum cognoscere causas #JoeKamila20) 1624905845
He couldn't have been more perfectly taken to school than if he were in the backseat of a sensible car and strapped into his infant seat. A place where you observe and learn because you know so precious little yourself.https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/1409559924405936130\u00a0\u2026— Kiersten Warren (@Kiersten Warren) 1624905064
BAM! She beat him up again. \n\nJen Psaki expertly schools Fox "News" reporter Doocy by teaching him about the First Amendmenthttps://www.rawstory.com/white-house-press-secretary-expertly-schools-fox-news-reporter-doocy-by-teaching-him-about-the-first-amendment/\u00a0\u2026— Roshan Rinaldi (@Roshan Rinaldi) 1624904875
And they had no love for Peter Doocy, who's made a habit of ineptly trying to outsmart Psaki.
@KellyO has that "really dude??" Look on her face.pic.twitter.com/hKGDildFZ7— Ben Reilly (@Ben Reilly) 1624912780
Wait until Doocy finds out about the domestic terrorist insurrection that happened on January 6th which was supported by a majority of his colleagues! He'll be outraged!— The End of the World (@The End of the World) 1624905290
When will this guy learn not to mess with @jrpsaki @PressSec ?— Alison Phillips (@Alison Phillips) 1624918581
When will Douchie stop going for cheap shots? Will he? The guy is cannon fodder for Psaki. She doesn't even work up a sweat to deal with him.https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/1409559924405936130\u00a0\u2026— charlie (@charlie) 1624920876
As for Barry, she earned her spot on the U.S. Olympic team at the event at which she protested. Her fellow teammate DeAnna Price has said she's "proud" of Barry for protesting the anthem.
@GavinNewsom/X
