Dana Perino is the White House Press Secretary. As such, she is the direct link between the President and the national / international media. Through Ms Perino and her office flows critical national and international news.

With that it mind, the wee gap in Ms Perino’s history knowledge has garnered wide coverage:

“…According to the 35-year-old communications graduate, during her tenure as acting White House press secretary, a reporter referred to the Cuban Missile Crisis … and she had no idea what it was.

“I was panicked a bit because I really don’t know about . . . the Cuban Missile Crisis,” she admitted. “It had to do with Cuba and missiles, I’m pretty sure.”"

link: White House Dana’s Day of Digs crisis

Ms Perino may be hoping that this news cycle passes quickly and this story fades from memory. It is to Ms Perino’s credit that she had the candor to admit what she does not know. At least, she has not fallen upon the ‘I-do-not-recall’ ploy that seems to have been in vogue recently.

At first glance, it may seem mildly amusing that there is this history gap in Ms Perino’s knowledge. However, given her position in the White House and given the continual factor that Cuba plays in international relations, that Ms Perino does not know about this critical moment in American history is somewhat perplexing - and scary.

Catherine Forsythe

Tags: dana perino, white house, press secretary, news, cuban missile crisis, history, the president