Amid growing criticism from within Biden’s circle regarding former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and her new book, an original commentary referred to the new independent figure as “a bit stupid.” This remark came from Timothy Wu, a law professor at Columbia University, who has claimed to have originated the progressive term “net neutrality” back in 2002.
In a now-deleted tweet, Wu expressed that Jean-Pierre’s lack of interest in grasping complex topics led to random and inconsistent policy responses. He elaborated on this sentiment in another tweet, noting that while the Biden White House showcased many talented Black women, he didn’t count Jean-Pierre among them.
Former Biden officials reacted with ridicule, dubbing Jean-Pierre’s book a “bizarre cash grab.” One X user pointed out the contrast, suggesting that if a Trump administration press secretary exhibited similar shortcomings, they would surely face scrutiny. Wu remarked that an effective ombudsman would seek to understand the administration’s policies by engaging with policy staff.
Recently, Jean-Pierre announced her shift from the Democratic Party to becoming an independent, coinciding with the release of her book titled “Independence: Looking Inside the Broken White House Outside the Party’s Boundaries.” This news was met with laughter and skepticism from various figures in Biden’s orbit, some of whom suggested that her insights aren’t particularly influential or impactful.
Wu also commented on the day Biden left office, describing it as a moment when he, like many Americans and allies, had to adapt to what lay ahead for the nation. He urged Jean-Pierre to embrace a more creative and strategic approach moving forward.
