WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Jay Carney became the news instead of just delivering it Friday, when President Barack Obama unexpectedly interrupted the daily media briefing to announce Carney's resignation after three and a half years as his primary spokesman.
Obama said it was "bittersweet" to see his friend Carney step down and announced that principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest will take over the job. Carney said the ultimate transition will take place around mid-June, but Earnest will take his place traveling next week on Obama's trip to Europe.
Carney brought rare but practical experience to the job as a former reporter who once covered the White House for Time magazine. He left journalism to become communications director for Vice President Joe Biden and subsequently moved over to serve as Obama's press secretary in 2011.
It was Obama's second appearance in the briefing room Friday to announce a resignation, the first being under much more somber circumstances as Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki left under pressure due to widespread problems plaguing the agency's health care system. Obama said Carney's job has put a strain on his family and the press secretary told him in April that he's been wrestling with the decision whether to leave for some time.
Carney expressed his appreciation for working at the White House for five years, even though he says being press secretary is not easy.
"It's an important interaction that takes place here," Carney said. "It's not always pretty. It could certainly be better. But to be a part of it is an honor and a joy for me. And no matter how tough the briefing is, I walk out of here having been glad to stand here."
Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more details.