ABC News Reporter Asks White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer About ‘Integrity’

White House press secretary Sean Spicer just held his first interactive press briefing, and it wasn’t as contentious as I anticipated. In fact, he started out with a little joke.

"I know that Josh was voted the most popular press secretary by the press corp." @PressSec makes a joke and says @JoshEarnest can rest easy. pic.twitter.com/fNyoAtUaNM

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 23, 2017

He talked a little bit about President Trump’s morning…

Press Sec.: President Trump will meet with business leaders "to create jobs and grow our manufacturing base" on a quarterly basis. pic.twitter.com/gYP70p9Ijq

— ABC News (@ABC) January 23, 2017

…and the executive order President Trump signed Monday, withdrawing the United States from TPP:

Press Sec. on withdrawal from TPP: The Trump administration "will pursue bilateral trade opportunities with allies around the globe." pic.twitter.com/ZZWYHEW12P

— ABC News (@ABC) January 23, 2017

Apparently, everything is good on the “big, beautiful wall” front. Trump’s already working out the details with Congress:

Press Sec.: President Trump "has already started to work with Congress" on getting things started to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. pic.twitter.com/fMPLdbzD1t

— ABC News (@ABC) January 23, 2017

He was asked about the Mexico City policy executive order signed this morning (which basically prevents federal funding from going to foreign nongovernmental organizations that provide or promote abortion services):

Press Sec. on Mexico City policy executive order: "He's a pro-life president; he wants to stand up for all Americans, including the unborn." pic.twitter.com/N58NG9AfwO

— ABC News (@ABC) January 23, 2017

Of course, Obamacare came up:

Press Sec.: Pres. Trump working with Congress on Obamacare replacement to lower costs, create more competition, provide care to more people. pic.twitter.com/W8bEACopeM

— ABC News (@ABC) January 23, 2017

Then it happened. What everyone was waiting for. ABC reporter Jon Karl asked Spicer about integrity. Obviously, he was referring to Spicer’s previous comments on Trump’s inaugural crowd size. (How many times did reporters ask Josh Earnest if he deliberately lied to them? Asking for a friend.)

Just listen to this entire exchange. Karl was dripping with condescension.

Press Sec: "We have to be honest with the American people. I think sometimes we can disagree with the facts…our intention is never to lie" pic.twitter.com/xgUKdGTPZQ

— ABC News (@ABC) January 23, 2017

I thought Spicer knocked it out of the park. He didn’t get testy, but he addressed the issue and turned it right back on the media. (Amazing how reporters are suddenly sooooooo devoted to the truth now, isn’t it?)

Overall, I thought Spicer did a good job. He didn’t come off as angry and bitter. It genuinely seems like he wants to forge a good relationship with the media, despite the current narrative.