Jay Carney at a White House press briefing in March. (Photo: Getty)

Yesterday, President Obama and his team had an 18-and-a-half hour day that included stops in Colorado and California for a commencement speech at the Air Force Academy and several fundraisers. Today, the president headed to Iowa and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney was clearly feeling the effects of the grueling schedule.

En route to Iowa, Mr. Carney held a brief mid-air press gaggle on board Air Force One. He was less than animated when a reporter asked him for details of tonight's campaign rally.

"I’m sure it will be filled with excitement and energy and enthusiasm," Mr. Carney said. "But I don’t have anything else."

The reporter teased Mr. Carney about his rather sleepy answer.

"As much excitement and energy as that answer is?" they asked eliciting laughter from Mr. Carney and the other reporters on the plane.

Mr. Carney admitted he wasn't in top form.

"I don’t know about you guys, but the altitude yesterday or whatever--I am in--and obviously the long day and lack of adequate sleep, but I'm dragging a little bit," he said.

The reporter offered a theory to explain Mr. Carney's malaise.

"Your espresso machine, you're missing it," they said.

Mr. Carney conceded he was in need of a caffeine fix.

"I wish I had that thing this morning," he said. "The coffee in the hotel did not make the grade."