I don’t know Anthony Scaramucci. I do know some of his close associates. I know in 2015 Donald Trump asked to meet with him about having him work to raise money for his campaign. Although he didn’t sign up at first, he did work for the campaign but was eventually snubbed for a job in White House.
That Scaramucci eventually sold his soul and has been trying for months to become a part of the Trump administration is uncomfortable to watch. But groveling, degrading oneself, and proving total loyalty and fealty to Trump finally paid off.
So why would Trump and Scaramucci think a fundraising guy who has zero experience working as either press secretary or communications director for an elected official and little experience on a campaign — let alone in a White House — think this is the most qualified person for White House communications director? Sean Spicer reportedly resigned over the Scaramucci hire, citing that question.
Just because one is good at being a hedge fund manager and a sometimes-TV pundit, does not mean one is qualified for the job of White House communications director. In fact, that Trump and Scaramucci (as well as others in the White House in jobs where they speak to the press) think the job looks so easy that literally anyone can do it, is a big red flag in and of itself.
{mosads}Scaramucci’s arrogance will not pay off in this instance. The list of “TV people” — pundits who pass themselves off as experienced political pros on FOX who simply aren’t — who’ve been plucked by Trump for high-profile jobs in his administration and stumble out of the gate — grows. And those of us who actually have spent our professional lives in these types of jobs prior to becoming political pundits, don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
In the coming days, I imagine Sean Spicer will do a bit of both, until he pens his book deal or his TV contract. At least he’d have the order right instead of placing the cart before the horse. Work in politics, hone your craft, gain experience, prove your value. Then, years later when you’ve experience and wisdom and analytical chops, impart your views on TV. Trump’s administration is chock full of backwardness on that front. FOX News as a training ground for top White House or administration jobs is dangerous. Since when is working in a senior level position in government an entry-level job?
Lest anyone think Sean Spicer is showing integrity or is some sort of hero for quitting his job in Trump’s White House, please take a pause before the back-slapping and accolades ensue. Spicer was already in trouble. Huckabee-Sanders was behind the podium. He knew Trump was shopping for a communications director. Spicer merely saved himself the humiliation of being the guy who fetched their coffee before eventually being shown the door.
Integrity would have been resigning over any one of the many, many, many Trump lies and transgression. Instead he lied for Trump, tried to shut down the press, and defended the indefensible. And still Trump didn’t want him. Sean Spicer resigned solely to save face.
I wish Anthony Scaramucci luck. Lord knows he’ll need it.
Cheri Jacobus is a former congressional staffer, RNC spokesperson and political consultant. Follow her on Twitter @CheriJacobus.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.