UPDATE: In a surprising critique, former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki declared her successor Karine Jean-Pierre’s recently released memoir “outdated” during a heated discussion at Harvard University on October 27, 2023.
Psaki, now an MSNBC host, emphasized the challenges of publishing a book in the fast-paced political environment, stating, “I would say the book is outdated. I’ve read the book… you finish writing it months before it actually comes out.” This comment comes as the Biden administration faces significant challenges, including the recent end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Jean-Pierre’s memoir, titled “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines,” was released in October and details her departure from the Democratic Party. In her book, she cited the party’s treatment of Biden following his debate with former President Donald Trump as a pivotal factor in her decision. This revelation raises questions about Biden’s leadership amid ongoing protests and political activism.
During the Harvard event, Psaki discussed the resurgence of activism, noting, “You can’t look out at the country and see that seven million people just showed up to protest across the country and think that the country is asleep.” Her remarks highlight a growing disconnect within the Democratic Party as it navigates the current political landscape.
Adding to the discourse, Dee Dee Myers, former press secretary for President Clinton, offered a cautionary perspective on Jean-Pierre’s memoir. “I haven’t read the book, but writing a book that quickly is probably not well advised for anybody,” she suggested, advocating for a period of reflection before publishing such a personal account.
Despite the backlash, Jean-Pierre has maintained that she did not perceive any signs of decline in Biden’s leadership during her tenure. Her assertions faced skepticism during various interviews, including a notable exchange with late-night host Stephen Colbert on October 20, where he questioned the effectiveness of Biden’s stage presence under pressure.
As this story unfolds, observers are keen to see how these public exchanges impact the political dynamics within the Democratic Party and the broader implications for the Biden administration.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the political landscape continues to shift dramatically.
