ONE LAST TIME

President Obama Surprises Josh Earnest at Final Press Briefing

Crashes Josh Earnest’s final press briefing to say thank you.

During what could be the last ever White House press briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, President Obama surprised his Press Secretary Josh Earnest by taking the podium to deliver a a few words of gratitude. “He's just got that all American, matinee, good-looking thing going. That's helpful, let's face it. Face made for television,” Obama said of Earnest, recalling their first meeting in Iowa during the 2008 campaign. “Then the guy’s name is Josh Earnest, which, if someone is speaking on your behalf, is a pretty good name to have.” Going on to praise Earnest's "smarts, maturity and actual interest in the issues" as well as his "integrity," the president said, “Of the folks that I’ve had the great joy and pleasure of working with over the last 10 years on this incredible journey, you know, this guy ranks as high as just about anybody I’ve worked with. He is not only a great press secretary but more importantly, he is a really, really good man and I’m really, really proud of him.” Tuesday may have marked Earnest's last briefing, but President Obama himself is scheduled to deliver his final press conference from the White House on Wednesday afternoon, January 18, just two days before Donald Trump's inauguration.

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Matt WilsteinSenior Editor

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