Civics 101 The White House Press Secretary
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May 11, 2018 
Mara Liasson, National Political Correspondent for NPR, shares her insights from covering three different presidential administrations. She discusses how the role of White House Press Secretary has evolved, particularly in its media interactions. The complexities of press briefings, including seating arrangements and question selections, are explored. Liasson also delves into the dual pressures faced by press secretaries and the delicate balance required to maintain credibility in a challenging environment.
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Communicate The President's Agenda
- Mara Liasson says the press secretary's core role is to communicate the president's agenda.
- They also answer reporters' questions and shape messaging for the administration.
McCurry's Truthful-And-Helpful Approach
- Mara Liasson recalls Mike McCurry saying a press secretary should be 'as truthful as possible and as helpful as possible'.
- That framed serving both the press and the president as core to the job.
Press Interactions Beyond Formal Conferences
- Mara Liasson explains presidents use multiple formats: formal press conferences, pool sprays, and abroad 'two-and-two' sessions.
- These formats limit or expand access and shape which reporters can ask questions.