I am bad at my job
White House press secretary Josh Earnest had to work hard to keep his face from looking astonished today when intrepid Fox News White House reporter James Rosen threw him what can only be called a "Screw Walter Scott" ball. In classic Fox news
gotcha fashion, Rosen tried to insinuate that Earnest, in earlier comments concerning the
Michael Slager shooting (with video) of Walter Scott, somehow did not say that Slager was "innocent until proven guilty."
Rosen: First on the shooting videotape. You are aware, I presume, that the officer in question has now been charged with murder, correct?
Earnest: I've seen news reports, yes.
Rosen: You are aware that when you were asked about this at the top of the briefings you spoke in fairly lengthy terms about the event, including a description of the video evidence as 'helpful.'
Earnest: Yes, well I get (sic) that is what I understand investigators have said was their reaction when they had the opportunity to review the video.
Rosen: You understand that nowhere in your remarks earlier on this subject in the briefing did you take pains to say that the individual who is captured on the videotape, and who now faces murder charges is entitled to due process or is presumed innocent until proven guilty–the existence of the videotape notwithstanding, you didn't include that in your remarks.
Earnest: Well I certainly would stipulate that that's true.
James Rosen—not good at his job, reprehensible use of his access to the White House.
The short exchange below the fold.