At a state department briefing on the anti-Isis coalition, a spokesman called out a journalist for playing the popular game but later asked, ‘did you get one?’

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Pokémon Go has ruffled feathers everywhere from Gettysburg to Auschwitz. Those bored by the Republican national convention in Cleveland this week turned to the game to while away the lengthy pauses between dystopian speeches.

But on Thursday, the game ventured into rarefied territory.

Call it Pokémon Go(es) to the state department.

John Kirby, the state department spokesman, started off his regular briefing with a cheery good afternoon and a few minutes of nearly impenetrable diplomatic speak. On this day, the topic was Isis.

“Today, I think as you know, here at the state department, representatives of more than 40 members of the counter-Isil coalition assembled to review the campaign to date and explore ways that we can further accelerate the defeat of Daesh,” Kirby began, rustling pages and scanning the sober-suited reporters gathered before him.

“This is the first joint ministerial of the global coalition focused on members of the counter-Isil coalition assembled to review the campaign to date and explore ways that we can further accelerate the defeat of Daesh, further degrading Daesh’s global networks, ideology, resources, the flow of foreign fighters, their communications, and of course their efforts to attract new recruits.”

What’s a sensate human being to do, faced with so many words and so little content? Pull out the iPhone and hunt for some Machokes, Pidgeots, Beedrills and Weepinbells, of course.

Until you’re caught.

“You’re playing the Pokémon thing right there, aren’t you?” Kirby asked an otherwise occupied journalist.

Who responded, “I’m just keeping an eye on it.”

Kirby continued. “Accelerating global efforts.” “Enhance cooperation to counter Isil’s messaging.” “Confront them in the information space.”

The briefing over, finally, Kirby turned back to the offender.

“Did you get one?”

“No, the signal’s not very good.”

“I’m sorry about that.”