Ever since the Kennedy administration and the emergence of television, the White House press briefing has become, in part, a TV drama, where the lead actor dodges incoming fire from armchair critics near and far. Biden administration press secretary Jen Psaki emerged from her first week in the role relatively unscathed.

Obama administration press secretary Jay Carney said, “Honestly, she is so ready for this, so prepared, and I think you saw that already this week.”