Commentary: Trump's press secretary lasted 5 days. A carton of milk has a longer shelf life

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Set us as preferred Five days.That’s how long President Trump’s latest press secretary, Katie Zacharia, lasted before she was fired Friday.Her stint, which was about as long as the recommended shelf life for an open can of beans (if refrigerated), broke the previous record set by Anthony Scaramucci.During Trump’s first term, Scaramucci lasted 11 days as White House communications director — the suggested length of time before a sealed pack of hot dogs expires.Their minuscule tenures represent an impressive race to the bottom in a once-prestigious role that was created just under a century ago, during the Great Depression.The press secretary typically stuck in the job for years or entire terms, rather than days or weeks.

For reference, Scaramucci’s dizzying 2017 arrival and departure broke a 72-year-old record.Jonathan Daniels served just 19 days (recommended expiration time for a tub of sour cream) in 1945.He at least had a valid excuse for his short run: President Franklin D.

Roosevelt died.Trump told reporters Friday that Zacharia might continue to work for him “in some form, but maybe a more pleasant form.”He sowed further confusion when he recounted his conversation with Zacharia, claiming that he told her, “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider” and asked her, “Katie, do you need this? I don’t think you need this.”With verbal chops like those, who needs an articulate press secretary? Apparently not Trump, judging by his appointment of someone whose debut was anything but professional.Politics A White House that has enjoyed relative stability over the past two years has returned to a state of disarray that characterized much of Trump’s early political career.Let’s take a trip down memory lane and recall her first day on the job.

It was Monday.Zacharia appeared wholly unprepared when she to...