Reprinted with permission from AlterNet.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is no stranger to controversial and jaw-dropping moments. But Monday’s White House press briefing may have been her weirdest one yet, as she demanded that, in honor of Thanksgiving, reporters share what made them feel thankful before asking her any questions.
Whether this was intended to be cute or a power play is up for debate.
One journalist didn’t seem too amused at all: CNN contributor and American Urban Radio Networks journalist April Ryan.
“I’m thankful for life. I’m thankful for my children. I’m thankful for 20 years in this job,” she started. Then it got ascerbic.
“I’m thankful to be able to talk to you and question you every single day,” Ryan said to Sanders before adding, “I hope you felt the passion of my thankfulness.”
Another reporter announced his thankfulness for the First Amendment, which elicited an excited response throughout the room. Sanders tried to chime in that she appreciates the First Amendment, too. Ryan wasn’t having it.
“Yeah, but we are part of it,” she yelled out.
Watch journalist and hero April Ryan below at the 1:50 mark.
Chris Sosa is a managing editor at AlterNet. His work also appears in Mic, Salon, Care2, Huffington Post and other publications. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisSosa.
