If you’re willing to relocate, are looking for a gig and have a gift for gab, there is an opening at the White House. It’s always advised that you learn something about the position before applying.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer will assume command of the Communications Office and is looking for a new spokesperson for the President and his administration.
The position of White House Press Secretary first came into existence under President Abraham Lincoln, who appointed John Nicolay to be his personal secretary, and the former newspaper editor took it upon himself to engage with the press. Woodrow Wilson held the first presidential news conference, and FDR appointed the first person to hold the title of press secretary. They generally came from the ranks of newsmen, most often obscure and not inclined to draw attention to themselves. Television reporter Pierre Salinger changed that when was brought to the White House by Bobby Kennedy to serve in brother Jack’s administration, and it was Deputy Malcolm Kilduff, filling the position temporarily in Dallas, who was left to inform the nation of the president’s assassination.
Under Ron Zeigler the position became especially combative during the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew and then Watergate. In 1981 Ronald Reagan’s press secretary, James Brady, was with the president when John Hinckley opened fire outside a Washington D.C. hotel and was severely wounded. Mike McCurry, President Clinton’s press secretary, had the bright idea of inviting cameras to capture the White House daily press briefing, and Ari Fleisher, President George W. Bush’s front man, says it has been little more than a television show ever since.
Sean Spicer’s tenure in the role has not been without controversy, and ridicule, inspiring a memorable impression by actress Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live. It is not uncommon for presidents to make changes in the office, though none have made a move this early in their administration. So far the names floated in trial balloons as potential candidates have all chosen to pull away from the microphone and refuse.
That means you still have a shot.