WH Press Sec Jay Carney & Fox News‘ Gretchen Carlson Spar Over Obama’s Job Speech

This morning, Fox and Friends' Gretchen Carlson and White House Press Secrety Jay Carney had what can only be described as an uncomfortably-heated exchange.

Carney, appearing on the show to discuss President Obama's highly-anticipated jobs speech, was careful not to divulge too much information. Carlson, of course, pushed hard for explicit details about the president's plan.

National Journal provides a snapshot of their debate:

Carlson: “Why go before the joint session of Congress if you’re going to say stuff that the American public has already heard time and time again in 10 to 12 speeches before? Why say, ‘I’m going to go on vacation for a month, and then I’m going to come back and give this grandiose speech—"

Carney: “Wait wait wait wait --"

Carlson: “--  if it’s going to be the same exact speech that we’ve heard --"

Carney: “I’m not sure whose talking points you’re reading, Gretchen…The American public will hear a lot of new ideas. I want to correct you. The folks who went on a month-long vacation weren't the president, it was the Congress. Secondly, the American people will hear a lot of new and innovative ideas that they haven't heard before. They will also hear very common-sense, sensible ideas like a payroll tax cut for every working American.”

Carney wouldn't share specific numbers, of course, as he didn't want to step ahead of his "boss" on the matter. That said, he reassured Carlson that "everything will be paid for" and made it a point to say that "The American people are so not interested in the partisan bickering."

At one point during the exchange, Carney said, "I'm not sure if you've talked to any economists." Carlson interrupted and said, "Tons." On Carney's end, one could have interpreted this to be a bit condescending, while a hint of annoyance was detected in Carlson's response.

Truly, an entertaining -- and interesting -- debate.

(h/t National Journal)