A Conversation with Josh Earnest | Institute of Politics

TL;DR

White House Press Secretary Josh Ernest discusses his career path and provides advice for young Democrats and Republicans interested in starting a political career.

Transcript

[Applause] I always get a lot more Applause when I walk on stage with you welcome again to the John F Kennedy Jr Forum my name is Eric Anderson I'm the director of the fellows and study groups programs here at the Institute of politics we're pleased to have with us White House Press Secretary Josh Ernest here today and he will be interviewed by IOP... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Working on campaigns is an excellent way to get involved in politics and advance in the field.
• ❓ The Obama campaign's success in Iowa was due to its grassroots and community-focused approach.
• 👶 The changing media landscape has made it necessary for the White House to adapt and utilize new communication tools.
• 🤝 There is potential for bipartisan agreement on issues such as criminal justice reform and trade deals.

Questions & Answers

Q: What advice do you have for young Democrats interested in starting a political career in a Republican area?

Getting involved in local politics and volunteering on a campaign is a great way to start. Working on city council races in predominantly Democratic cities like Houston can provide valuable experience and connections.

Q: How do you make decisions on which questions to answer during press briefings?

I prioritize accurate and well-informed answers over guesswork. If I'm unsure about a specific question, I provide the general stance of the administration and promise to follow up with more details.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Josh Ernest shares his career path, starting with working on a political campaign in Houston and eventually becoming the White House Press Secretary.

• He emphasizes the importance of working on campaigns to get involved in politics and highlights the unique opportunities campaigns provide for growth and advancement.

• Josh discusses the challenges of navigating the changing media landscape, including the use of social media and new technological capabilities for communication.