Leslie Jones performs brilliantly in new role, White House Press Secretary
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Although President Hillary Clinton's appointment of Leslie Jones as Press Secretary initially provoked scorn and skepticism from the public, Americans of all political stripes agree that the former comedian has proven her worth.
Jones has earned the unnatural adulation of reporters, elected officials, and the public at large. Pundits agree that Jones' favorability comes from her smooth, lighthearted rapport with reporters in the White House Briefing Room. When questioned by CNN's Jim Acosta about Vice President Kaine's new initiative to legalize marijuana nationwide, for instance, Jones generated laughter by responding with a tease. "Jimmy, I know you're not trying to burn me with that question. As though anyone in this room would turn down a light-up right about now. Matter of fact, I'll be right back," joked Jones before emphasizing the public benefits that legalized marijuana can provide.
It appears Jones' experiences with acting and improvisation have aided her in this high-pressure job. Previous Press Secretary Josh Earnest calls her press briefings "works of art, like watching a composer directing an orchestra through the Game of Thrones theme."
So far, only failed presidential candidate Donald Trump has provided repeated critiques of Jones' performance. From his recently regained Twitter account on Tuesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, "A celebrity comedian as Press Secretary? What's next? A reality TV star as President? Actually, that last one makes sense to me."
Trump's criticism aside, Jones says she is excited to continue serving President Clinton during her first term. “I just feel like I belong here,” says Jones.
