Barack Obama praises Press Secretary John Earnest at last session with reporters
President Barack Obama has made a surprise visit to the final daily press briefing with White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. Obama praised Earnest Tuesday for “his smarts and his maturity,” but added that one of his best qualities has been his integrity. Obama says Earnest is “tough and didn’t always give you guys what you wanted,” but that he tried to make sure to share as much of the administration’s vision and policy as possible. Earnest praised the journalists attending the briefing, saying that they serve a role that is a “uniquely American feature of our government. He said, “it’s made President Obama a better president and a better civil servant.” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Personnel note: Shelby staffer Emily Taylor hops chambers, joins Roby’s press shop
After more than two years in Sen. Richard Shelby‘s office, staffer Emily Taylor has hopped chambers to work for Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby. Roby made the announcement Monday that Taylor now serves in the position of press secretary in her Washington D.C. office. “In Congress I have made a point to surround myself with smart, driven staff members who can help me better serve the people of Alabama’s Second District,” Roby said. “Emily brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to the state of Alabama that make her a great addition to our team.” A Montgomery native, Taylor, 25, worked as deputy press secretary for Shelby since March 2015. Prior to that she served as his staff assistant. She expressed gratitude and excitement for the new opportunity. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work for Rep. Roby and to support her efforts in fighting for the conservative cause in Washington,” Taylor said. “While it was difficult to leave Sen. Shelby’s office, I am excited to continue to serve the people of Alabama and my hometown in this new capacity.” As press secretary, Taylor will work alongside Communications Director Todd Stacy to advance Roby’s legislative initiatives and advocacy efforts publicly. Taylor will serve as the primary contact for local, state, and national media organizations.
