Dana Perino says she secretly flipped off combative reporters during White House briefings Former White House press secretary Dana Perino revealed that she used a cup of water to hide her middle finger while maintaining a polite smile during tense exchanges with reporters. She first shared the story on Sean Hannity's podcast and later in her 2015 memoir, where Rush Limbaugh praised it. Dana Perino revealed that during her time as White House press secretary she secretly flipped off combative reporters while maintaining a polite smile. She shared the story during an interview on Sean Hannity's podcast, Hang Out with Sean Hannity, in an episode released Tuesday. Perino served as press secretary for former President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009. She explained that she kept a cup of water on the podium and used it to shield her hand from view while discreetly raising her middle finger during testy exchanges. The gesture, which she jokingly described as a form of liquid courage, gave her a small sense of defiance and confidence while she kept her composure.Perino Reveals Secret Press Podium GesturePerino told Hannity, I would just sit there with my hand over my cup and just flip him off the entire time he was talking. The story remained under wraps for years until she first told Hannity about it in a past interview, she recalled. She later included the story in her 2015 memoir, And the Good News Is... It then drew attention from the late conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh.Perino recalled that when she appeared on Limbaugh's radio show, he said, this is the best story ever. As press secretary, Perino said her role required her to remain respectful and composed, even when facing reporters she believed were more interested in getting on television than getting answers. They would do anything to get on TV that night, she recalled.They would give a big windup and try to hit you so that they could make sure that they could get on air for one of the networks. She suggested that the pressure on reporters to create memorable moments was already shaping exchanges during her tenure, and she believes the rise of social media has only intensified that dynamic.Former Press Secretary Reflects On Media DynamicsThe former press secretary, now a co-anchor of America's Newsroom on Fox News, also recalled a conversation with Mike McCurry, who served as press secretary under former President Bill Clinton. Perino has remained a prominent voice in media and politics. Earlier this year, White House correspondents widely praised Karoline Leavitt as she announced her exit from the Trump administration. Perino has also credited the Her Honor program with making her hopeful for the next generation.In a separate interview, she said it would take a lot more to shut her up after criticism over her remarks about America.