BOSTON – A jittery U.S. senator-elect Elizabeth Warren gave one-sentence answers, ducked questions and even passed one on to Gov. Deval Patrick in an awkward first press conference since the election.

Warren spoke for a total of less than four minutes during the 11-minute press conference — the rest was taken up by Patrick and reporters’ questions.

After being asked her first question — how she’d protect defense spending — Warren was silent as she turned to Patrick.

“Defense spending is you,” Patrick prodded Warren.

“Oh, that’s mine,” Warren replied.

After Warren fielded the question, Patrick stepped in to answer the follow-up.

“Let me start,” said Patrick, shielding Warren from having to answer.

When she did respond, the answers were often brief.

How does she feel about the high female voter turnout and the election of women in New Hampshire?

“I’m glad,” she said.

Is it surprising?

“I’m glad that the women turned out to vote, it meant a lot,” said Warren.

Asked what impact more women in the Senate would have, Warren punted.

“You want to try answering that?” she said, turning to Patrick, who stepped in again.  (more)