I simply would have reacted by taking away the press credentials of the idiot reporter who asked the question. I would cite as my reason the fact that such a stupid mass of protoplasm had no right to being in a position of "informing the public" when he/she themselves were so woefully uninformed.
it would be a "public sanity" issue.
See, you aren't the only person who notices the people in the press corps when they act worse than monkeys. The thing is, they continue to act worse, as if "no one will notice" and function on the assumption that the Press Secretary will, in fact, look as badly to everyone as they perceive him/her to be.
But the egg's on the stupid behavior and inane, often patently prejudicial, statements that come from the audience, not the podium. I think the press corps walks out self congratulating, oblivious to the fact that nearly everyone who watches these episodes sees them for the duds they are. Not like you missed it, is my point, nor did I nor nearly anyone else.