WASHINGTON (AP) – Josh Earnest comes to the job of White House press secretary with a reputation for Midwestern affability and a style of relating to the media that’s more honey and less vinegar.
Earnest officially becomes White House press secretary next week after several years as the chief deputy, but he planned to take over the daily briefing – the most prominent and high-stakes part of the job – on Friday.
Or, as President Barack Obama declared, “The flak jacket is officially passed to a new generation.”
The 39-year-old’s ascension comes at a challenging time in Obama’s presidency, with his job-approval ratings at new lows and an expectation that more criticism is coming his way in the heat of the midterm elections campaign, followed by the 2016 presidential race.
As news organizations increasingly turn their interest more to the race to replace Obama, Earnest faces the challenge of drawing attention to the president’s agenda and helping shape the lasting impression Obama will leave after a bruising start to his second term. Earnest said in an interview he wants to make sure the White House is responding quickly to critics and making a more effective counter-argument.