Jen Psaki’s increased role on MSNBC coincides with criticism regarding the media’s lack of coverage on former President Biden’s health issues. Starting from Monday, she took to the 9 PM slot, which was previously occupied by “The Rachel Maddow Show,” now airing only on Mondays.
Psaki, who hosted “Inside” over the weekend, will be leading briefings aimed at liberal viewers, reflecting MSNBC’s commitment to straightforward dialogue.
Despite this, she downplayed worries about Biden’s age and mental fitness during a recent MSNBC appearance, following a shaky debate that raised eyebrows about his potential reelection. Interestingly, Psaki claimed she never noticed any signs of decline during her time working closely with him in the Oval Office.
The recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner saw Axios reporter Alex Thompson acknowledge that the press had largely overlooked Biden’s deteriorating health. He stated that it’s essential to confront the uncomfortable truths we might have missed, emphasizing that Biden’s decline and the surrounding silence raise questions about accountability from those within the White House.
Between 2021 and May 2022, Psaki served as Biden’s first press secretary, earning a favorable reception from MSNBC’s progressive audience before officially joining the network. She, however, has consistently dismissed the idea that there were glaring warning signs about Biden’s health behind the scenes.
While she admitted seeing no significant indicators of decline while engaging in daily discussions at the White House, she noted, “I’m not a doctor. Aging happens quite rapidly.”
Reflecting on a challenging summer leading up to the 2024 exit, she recalled her concern, personally asking, “Is he okay?” about Biden during difficult moments.
Prior to the pivotal debate, doubts about Biden’s capability were often dismissed by both White House officials and media figures. In recent statements, Psaki noted that while Biden has issues—and indeed no candidate is without flaws—he is still preferable to potential alternatives like Donald Trump, who she warned could jeopardize democratic principles if reelected.
Moreover, she expressed that the media has largely turned a blind eye to allegations against Biden due to the necessity of securing Democratic votes, further complicating the narrative surrounding Biden’s competency.
Reflecting on Biden’s handling of sensitive issues, she labeled him a “well-meaning older person,” arguing that he shouldn’t just be framed as someone grappling with cognitive decline. She challenged media narratives that portray him as incapable of overseeing significant affairs, questioning how the portrayal of “Sleepy Joe” aligns with the complexity of actual political machinations.
Throughout her time at MSNBC, Psaki has maintained a consistent defense of Biden’s cognitive abilities, advocating that many critiques focus on inconsequential matters like age rather than substantial issues at stake. In her view, if Biden isn’t fit to run again due to age, the same scrutiny should be applied to Trump, who is also advanced in age.
In her expanded role, Psaki has emphasized a need for MSNBC to shine a light on opposition actions rather than simply being critical of Trump without context, as she prepares for her future with the network, which aims to engage viewers with thought-provoking discussions.
MSNBC did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding these shifts in programming and commentary.
