We always knew

Who knew a boring White House briefing could be so exciting?

We knew. We always knew.

One NBC correspondent called it “radical normalcy,” as in hiring qualified officials with expertise. If that’s radical, I’m all over it.

Take White House press secretaries, for instance.

For 31 minutes Wednesday after the inauguration, newly appointed White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki (pronounced “SOCK-ee”) treated journalists with dignity, respect and professionalism. She was honest, free of insults, snark and, thankfully, pearls.

“I have a deep respect for the role of a free and independent press in our democracy, and for the role all of you play,” she said answering her first question from a reporter at the Associated Press.

“As I noted earlier, there will be moments when we disagree for extensive parts of the briefing even, perhaps. But we have a common goal, which is sharing accurate information with the American people,” she added.

A former State Department spokesperson and White House communications director in President Obama’s administration, Psaki at one point actually joked about holding daily briefings, but not on Saturday and Sunday because, “I’m not a monster.”

I honestly thought I heard reporters say “You’re not?” under their masks.

Who knew press secretaries had a sense of humor?

We knew. We always knew.

And then Thursday, Psaki held her second briefing in as many days. First, she introduced Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical adviser on COVID-19 to President Biden.

I watched intently as Fauci explained the purpose of monoclonal antibodies with wild abandon. Apparently, these laboratory-made proteins mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses.

I do believe I swooned.

Then he said something equally radical: His reports about COVID-19 will be completely transparent, open and honest, based on science and evidence. In other words, it’s OK for him to tell the truth.

“Let the science speak,” Fauci declared.

“The idea that I can get up here without fear of repercussions is liberating,” added Fauci, also director of the government’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “That’s why I got into trouble sometimes.”

No kidding. Only he wasn’t joking.

“One of the things about this new administration: If you don’t have an answer, don’t guess,” he said. “Just say you don’t know the answer.”

Who knew that truth, transparency and grownups behind the podium could be so refreshing?

We knew. We always knew.

Since enjoying the most wonderful Wednesday in 1,460 days, I feel lighter, more relaxed, less likely to vomit. Ditto for Thursday. It’s only Friday, but so far, so good.

Trust me, I don’t expect perfection. I know there will be times when I’ll yell at the TV because of something I strongly disagree with. I can live with that.

My fellow Americans, it’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. And I’m feelin’ good.

Who knew decency mattered?

I knew. I always knew.