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Liberals are cheering following a heated exchange between White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Emerald Robinson, a reporter for far-right network Newsmax.
In her question, Robinson respondents to a poll felt Democratic Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg—who became a father to twins in September—should end his paternity leave and return to work.
Psaki responded by informing Robinson Buttigieg is still working during his leave, then called out the barely concealed agenda of her line of questioning.
See the moment below.
Emerald: A poll found that 65% of voters… thinks he should go back to work Psaki: He’s at work Emerald: He’s on pa… https://t.co/PIBnMlWn0f— Acyn (@Acyn) 1634666214.0
In her question, Robinson claimed—without providing citation or other evidence—a recent poll revealed 65% of voters thought Buttigieg should return to work.
Psaki had a very simple three-word rebuttal.
"He's at work."
When Robinson retorted Buttigieg is on paternity leave, implying he couldn't possibly be working, Psaki set her straight.
"I was on a conference call with him this morning."
When Robinson then continued pushing back, Psaki interrupted her and instead of responding to her question, responded to what Robinson seemed to be implying instead.
"Listen, Emerald, I think what you're getting at here is this question of whether men, parents, women, should have paternity and maternity leave."
"And the answer is absolutely yes. In our view, that is the policy of this administration, that is what we're pressing to make law so it's a reality for women, parents, fathers across the country and we're not going to back away from that."
Though Robinson continued her line of questioning, she was obviously knocked back on her heels, stammering about Secretary of Transportation is a different kind of job than a rank-and-file American's.
Psaki wasn't having this either.
Jen Psaki has to treat Emerald Robinson like a child because she won't stop talking when Psaki tries to call on oth… https://t.co/8e8TaMG8xe— Aaron Rupar (@Aaron Rupar) 1634666279.0
Psaki said:
"They should have this time to bond with their children. I'm not going to apologize for that from here."
On social media, people applauded Psaki for her no-nonsense response to Robinson's questioning.
@ArtBeachTeach1 @PIO2U @Acyn 🤣🤣 SO TRUE!!— JM 🇺🇸💙 #DemCastWI 🌊 🌈 (@JM 🇺🇸💙 #DemCastWI 🌊 🌈) 1634731957.0
@atrupar That’s Grace! To be able to put someone in their place with a smile on your face, while keeping polite, Psaki sure had grace.— Kate (@Kate) 1634667967.0
@Acyn I am a man, I took paternity leave, it was unpaid but was covered under FMLA. I have every right to be there… https://t.co/PouY3t5BeM— Troop of the Blue Wave Resistance (@Troop of the Blue Wave Resistance) 1634666417.0
@atrupar Emerald be like: https://t.co/V0Z2Dkv7CI— newt, GIFmaster General (@newt, GIFmaster General) 1634666566.0
@atrupar Wait until someone tells Emerald that people can work from home. https://t.co/ZUlI369zJD— Matrix Moma (@Matrix Moma) 1634666590.0
@therecount @phyll_indablank Psaki's "B.S. Tolerance Level" is set marvelously low. I love it.— Godzilla Haiku (@Godzilla Haiku) 1634671906.0
@therecount Psaki is a master at shutting down passive aggressive "reporters" from extremist news sites.— 91BElliott (@91BElliott) 1634666919.0
“Listen Emerald…” That would be Emerald Robinson of NewsMax, who formerly worked for OANN. Jenn Psaki is masterful. https://t.co/mRaZ0LJSx6— Lyn Harris (@Lyn Harris) 1634668276.0
@atrupar This face killed me lol. It speaks volumes https://t.co/mkSz16R6Xp— TeaRobot (@TeaRobot) 1634666968.0
Robinson's questioning is just the latest attack mounted by conservatives against Buttigieg becoming a father.
Conservatives were outraged by his and husband Chasten's first photo with their new babies in September and Fox News host Tucker Carlson mocked the couple's paternity leave last week.