On its ‘Today Show’ earlier this morning, NBC revealed that it has signed former Obama White House press secretary Josh Earnest as a political analyst. Earnest is expected to provide political commentary on NBC and MSNBC.
And, in an hilarious welcoming statement, the Today Show’s Savannah Guthrie warned Earnest that he would now have to disavow himself of his political bias to provide impartial political analysis…just before inviting him to take shots at Republicans.
“White House Press Secretary under President Obama we’re pleased to announce is joining us a political analyst.”“Now you have to wear your analyst hat, not your Democrats hat.”
“And looking at what happened, what transpired over the last few weeks on healthcare, who is to blame?”
Earnest also made an appearance this morning on the cable news network known for its militant dedication to impartiality, MSNBC.
Ahead this morning: Fmr Obama White House Press Secretary @joshearnest pic.twitter.com/0T2pV8Se8z
— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) March 27, 2017
Meanwhile, The Hill notes that Earnest is just one of many Obama press secretaries to accept handsome salaries providing “impartial” political analysis at NBC and CNN over the years.
“Josh recently completed a ten-year run with President Obama, most recently serving as White House Press Secretary from 2014-2017,” reads a memo from NBC News President Noah Oppenheim and MSNBC President Phil Griffin.“A native of Kansas City, Josh graduated from Rice University with a degree in political science and policy studies. With his wealth of experience and insight, Josh will be a great addition to our roster of contributors and will be an asset for our two networks as we continue to cover the White House, Congress and politics beyond the Beltway.”
Earnest follows in a long line of former press secretaries going from the White House to network and cable news outlets. Jay Carney and Robert Gibbs, who also worked for Obama, were hired after leaving the White House by CNN and MSNBC, respectively.
Earnest, 42, will work out of NBC’s Washington bureau.
We would like to be among the first to welcome Josh Earnest to his new position as the official mouthpiece of Obama’s opposition party…sorry Harwood, position filled.