Chicago –

During a book tour in Chicago, authors Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper discussed their new book, “Original Sin,” and shared insights about the internal perceptions of former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. They addressed the implications of her upcoming book and her recent announcement about leaving the Democratic Party.

Thompson mentioned that prior to their event, he received a text about Jean-Pierre’s claims in her new book, which allegedly reveals the chaotic environment of the “Broken White House.” He remarked on the public feedback regarding her performance as press secretary, describing her as “uncontrollable,” particularly due to her close ties with top aide Anthony Bernal.

He emphasized that many former Biden insiders felt dissatisfied with Jean-Pierre’s job performance, noting that she seemed unaware of her shortcomings and didn’t put in the effort to improve. And then, there’s the twist – after being promoted to such a critical position, she’s now trying to rebrand herself as an independent.

Tapper speculated that if Jean-Pierre hadn’t declared her independence, she might not face as much backlash. He pointed out the hesitance among former staffers to name themselves while criticizing her, raising questions about their fears of repercussions.

Both Thompson and Tapper noted that many are in new roles and may worry about how associating with controversy could impact their careers. Moreover, there seemed to be a sense of loyalty, or perhaps fear, surrounding Jean-Pierre, being the first black woman and LGBTQ press secretary.

Thompson criticized Jean-Pierre’s credibility in light of her defense of Biden’s mental acuity during challenging moments, particularly around his debate performance. He recounted an event he attended with Biden in 2023, reflecting on the chaotic atmosphere and Jean-Pierre’s reliance on prepared statements during press briefings. “In her defense, she rarely saw him,” Tapper noted, adding another layer to the complexities of her position.