So, I don't understand what is so funny...

[WiffenPoof]

Sean Spicer was asked yesterday why the unemployment figures were phoney during the campaign, but are now considered accurate.

Spicer stated that he was quoting the President in answering the question. Quoting the President..."They may have been phoney in the past, but they're for real now."

With that, the Press Room burst out in laughter. WTF?

I just don't get it. What is so funny about the President lying to the Press and the American people. I guess it doesn't matter. Lying is the new normal.

[OKNancy]

1. Because he was joking. He was actually making Trump look bad

and the press knew it too.

[WiffenPoof]

2. Joking?

No I don't think so. It's a quote from the President.

[OKNancy]

4. right and he had a smirk on his face knowing how stupid it sounded

We have tons of things to get outraged over, this is not one of them

[bettyellen]

6. Seriously this game of "no one knows" whether they should take DT seriously or literally has to end!

People need to take him - and hold him accountable fo his words. For fucks sake, there's no excuse for this.

[bettyellen]

3. But there was no follow up- they let a lie stand and that sucks

I didn't see much press calling it out-was there?

[OKNancy]

5. because it was stupid.

[bettyellen]

7. I disagree- he's quoting the president and it's time we hold them accountable for what they say.

[LiberalLovinLug]

17. They, the new alt right, will use anything they can to deflect attention if it works

Even using the comedic response that their outlandish, hypocritical, positions foster. I've seen Kelly Anne Conway do this incessantly. Whenever her ridiculous defense excuses get to the point of comedy, hosts and other guests laugh...she just clams up and smiles. Like she is also in on the joke. Everyone has a good laugh and the host drops the subject.

It is fascinating actually in the social science way their successful and myriad of ways that Republicans have in their tool chest in their media relations department, from repeating of "the big lie", accusing the other side for anything they are guilty of or if caught, deflecting it as the other side does it but worse. Never saying they were wrong about anything.

[bettyellen]

18. I understand that in a sense "it's meta" to the reporters but they have to realize it's not actually

Funny that we cannot trust a thing they say. I'm curious how those laughing reported it.

[A HERETIC I AM]

8. He was admitting Trump was full of shit during the campaign

And by saying he was quoting Trump, admitting Trump KNEW he was full of shit also.

Why did the press room laugh? Because the White House finally admitted to what they all have known for months

[CrispyQ]

9. The new normal, laugh at the lies instead of calling them out.

I have no fucking clue what universe I live in anymore. It's like some shift has slowly been taking place - clear skies, healthy forests, no child left behind. And on 11/8/16 that whole alternate universe solidified & the one I knew before is gone & I feel like there's no going back.

[MFM008]

10. Because the WH is causing the fear

they will throw them put of press briefings.
Thats exactly what they want.

[True Dough]

11. I fully understand why Spicer was laughing

I mean, it was such an absurd statement that he said came directly from Drumpf. So Spicer laughed to signal to the press that he too acknowledges how ludicrous Drumpf's hypocrisy is in this instance (like many others). What else could Spicer do? He couldn't have possibly passed that off as a legit reaction.

But, to your point, the press didn't have to laugh along. They could have peppered Spicey with questions about how ridiculous Drumpf's stance is, but it was clearly established at that point, IMO.

On the other hand, CNN has made a point of hammering hard on Drumpf's wacky claim that Obama wiretapped him. CNN reporters are still regularly asking if there's any proof yet and most CNN shows still have a segment focusing on it, often with panelists commenting on how there's nothing for Drumpf to stand on.

[Charles Bukowski]

12. Best part: Trump demanded Spicer make that statement!

He all but said "I'm taking credit for Obama's economy" and our side didn't have to lift a finger to get him to admit it.

The Democrats are going to have MOUNTAINS of material to work with when this nitwit runs for reelection. I don't see a downside here.

[A HERETIC I AM]

13. BTW, John Oliver did a great bit calling out Trumps claim...

That unemployment was as high as 40%, saying something to the effect that if that was true, it wouldn't be simply a deception, it would be an economic disaster

[pat_k]

14. Same reason Ryan could barely suppress laughter...

... during state of the union.

They know DT is a joke.

Oliver: "'Don't Laugh, He's the President' should now be the official slogan of the Repbublican Party."

Ryan segment starts at 2:50

?t=170

[Jonny Appleseed]

15. We're past the breaking point

Reality has been replaced by absurdity. It's like when you watch a movie with really bad blood and gore. Even though people are dying, the way they're dying makes you laugh because of the stupidity of the director and his lack of awareness.

[WiffenPoof]

19. Wow...great comparison NT

[old guy]

16. Just another attempt to normalize the tRump regime.