In her last press briefing before the Thanksgiving holiday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders asked/demanded that reporters precede their questions to her with a statement about what they were thankful for.
“I want to share a few things that I’m thankful for and I think it would be nice for you guys to do so as well before asking your questions,” she said.
Sanders then went on to recite a laundry list of things, including police, firefighters, first responders and the U.S. military. In addition, she said she was grateful for the U.S. press corps and “the incredible privilege of serving this president.”
“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 t’s only fair since I’ve shared what I’m thankful for that you start off with what you’re thankful for.”
And reporters right down the line willingly obliged.
Extra shout-out to Newsmax’s John Gizzi, who said he was thankful for his 96-year-old father and his wife for finally saying yes after his fourth request.
He then pivoted to a question about Zimbabwe.
Watch the video above.
Of course — Twitter blue checks were not particularly amused with the stunt.
I was forced to say what I'm thankful for at a Thanksgiving dinner like 4 years ago and I'm still pissed off about it.
— Jeremy Barr (@jeremymbarr) 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
Before reporters can ask a question at the WH press briefing, Huckabee Sanders is making them say what they're thankful for. Bizarre.
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) November 20, 2017
I'm thankful that awkward briefing is over.
— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) November 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/Marmel/status/932709482555064320
Sarah Slanders forcing reporters to state what they’re thankful for before she doesn’t answer their question. So painful to watch. Like a cabinet meeting.
— Philippe Reines (@PhilippeReines) November 20, 2017