A CNN pundit who once made President Donald Trump’s shortlist for a high-profile job squirmed when an anchor asked if he still wanted it.
Republican strategist Scott Jennings was pressed Friday on CNN’s “The Source” about the White House press secretary job, hours after Trump pushed out Katie Zacharia just five days into the role. Jim Sciutto, filling in for host Kaitlan Collins, twice asked Jennings whether he was angling for it.
Jennings had been laying out what Trump should look for in a replacement, arguing the president needs “the most qualified person you can get with the most experience, somebody who can stand behind that podium with credibility and not just carry your message, but also handle the incoming that is sure to come if the Republicans don’t do well in the midterms.”
He added that the next press secretary should have spent time around Washington, have TV experience “and maybe a little management experience, because that office does have a pretty big staff.”
Sciutto then turned the question on him.
“So, Scott, given that your name was on the short list prior, were you making a pitch for yourself just then?” Sciutto asked.
“Oh, me? No, I wouldn’t negotiate my personal prospects with you here on television,” Jennings said, before launching right back into his staffing pitch. “Find the most experienced, competent person that you can find because you deserve it. You’re the president of the United States.”
Before wrapping, Sciutto circled back to Jennings.
“Scott, I do want to press you here. Are you interested in the job still?” he asked.
Jennings paused, then again stopped short of a direct answer. CNN media analyst Brian Stelter, who was also on the panel, was noticeably gleeful while Jennings answered.
“I haven’t spoken to anybody about it tonight or today,” Jennings said, adding that he learned the news while hosting his radio show. “The only person I’ve spoken about it today with is right now with you. So these are my views at the moment.”
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