Mr. Gibbs

I don’t know whether you guys ever watch Robert Gibbs’ press briefings. I would guess you don’t. I like to skim the transcripts occasionally; I find it soothing to see that at least one part of the White House is a lot like it is on West Wing. Here is a small sample from yesterday’s briefing, when a spider invaded the press room:

Q: On tax cuts on this tax — how is Senator McConnell — what did you do?

Q: Killer spider —

Q: Spiderman. (Laughter.)

Q: So I want to just follow up on Bill’s —

MR. GIBBS: Let me know if there’s a bigger one behind it. (Laughter.)

Q: So nothing about what the Senate Republicans did today punctures the happy talk from yesterday?

MR. GIBBS: Again, I think that —

Q: You totally brush it off?

MR. GIBBS: Yes — much like the spider. (Laughter.)

[Later]

Q: Also on the issue of Vince Gray, could you talk to me about the President’s relationship —

MR. GIBBS: Sorry —

Q: Okay —

Q: There’s another spider.

MR. GIBBS: Yes, I think it’s the same very active spider that — let’s just say if my ankle is this big tomorrow, you’ll know. (Laughter.)

Q: Is Bill trying to take you out or something?

MR. GIBBS: Let me just kill that spider.

Q: Is Bill trying to take you out with the spider?

MR. GIBBS: Here he comes.

Q: Is it still alive?

MR. GIBBS: I’m going to call him —

Q: You know if you step on him, you’ll get emails.

Q: I was going to say, PETA is going to be after you guys.

MR. GIBBS: No, he’s going —

Q: Crush it with your fingers.

Q: Geez —

MR. GIBBS: No, I’m just going to —

Q: Leave him alone —

Q: Okay, it’s not a — (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS: I hope it’s not a brown recluse.

Go ahead. I’m sorry.