Why Sean Spicer Banned Me From the White House

When Sean Spicer wouldn’t grant me a White House pass, I had to report from outside the gates. It turned out to be some of the most productive reporting of my career. I’m sharing what happened during my time at Politico, how I found sources without a credential, and why I think the White House briefing can be more theater than news gathering. With CNN, MSNBC and Politico facing a new access fight, I also explain why the press still needs to defend its place in the room. Then I answer your questions live.

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Chapters 00:00 The White House briefing room’s dirty little secret 01:19 How I became a Trump White House reporter 02:22 My clashes with Sean Spicer 03:05 The White House pass I couldn’t get 04:50 Reporting and breaking stories from outside the gates 06:30 The new White House press access fight 08:53 What reportedly triggered the ban 11:20 Why I did better reporting outside 13:41 How being inside can limit a reporter’s sources 15:36 Why access still matters 18:28 Live questions from viewers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices