"Refreshing."
That's how communicators, even a few from the other side of the political aisle, rated Jen Psaki's first briefing as White House press secretary.
Speaking in the James Brady Press Briefing Room, Psaki promised to bring "truth and transparency" to her exchanges with the news media and took questions from almost every reporter. The Obama administration alum said she has a "deep respect for the role of a free and independent press in our democracy," and pledged to hold daily briefings, save for weekends.
"There will be moments where we disagree," she added. "But we have a common goal, which is sharing accurate information with the American people."
Here's what PR and communications pros had to say about Psaki's inaugural briefing.
Today was such a breath of fresh air. I was waiting for someone to make the direct comparison.
— Scott Monty (@ScottMonty) January 21, 2021
It’s good to have communications professionals we can be proud of in the James Brady Briefing Room again. https://t.co/WwhX0nP1Rf
Incredible to watch. There are no words to describe my feelings of elation to see @jrpsaki behind that podium and the degenerate liars of the last four years relegated to the ash heap of history. It is nice to see integrity restored https://t.co/RmSeyq1x8p
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) January 21, 2021
I can tell you from experience it's not an easy job to stand at that podium especially your first time. @jrpsaki made it look easy.
— Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) January 21, 2021
How refreshing is it to listen to a @PressSec that doesn't lie, is calm, has a non condescending tone or have a perpetual scowl?
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 21, 2021
Already loving the new @PressSec, @JRPsaki! What a brilliant, knowledgeable, and relatable communicator.
— Michael Kaye (@MichaelKayePR) January 21, 2021
I’m watching @jrpsaki at the podium interacting with journalists with respect and actual answers and my god I had forgotten what this looks like
— Stephanie Smirnov (@ssmirnov) January 21, 2021
She’s doing great! So refreshing. https://t.co/kEq7qtWVv2
— Heather Whaling (@prtini) January 21, 2021
Watching this presser with #jenpsaki is a pleasure. Direct questions and answers. The give-and-take critical to a functioning democracy. #pressfreedom #firstamendment pic.twitter.com/1AgDWEdlZA
— Bob Osmond (@bobosmosis) January 21, 2021
Fresh air. pic.twitter.com/Rw8ix5ay4x
— Brett Jewkes (@BJewkes) January 21, 2021
.@PressSec, what a breath of fresh air! Thank you! https://t.co/m0p6KLISKN
— Amy Palcic (@amypalcic) January 21, 2021
+1 @jrpsaki made my 2021 brighter in less than thirty minutes pic.twitter.com/p2dpm2Rlje
— Corey duBrowa (@coreydu) January 21, 2021
