Jen Psaki labels Karine Jean-Pierre’s book as ‘old-fashioned’

Psaki Calls Jean-Pierre’s Memoir “Outdated”

During an event at Harvard University, Jen Psaki, the former press secretary for President Biden, described her successor Karine Jean-Pierre’s new memoir as “outdated.” She expressed this opinion on October 27, noting the challenges inherent in publishing a book—primarily that it’s often completed before its actual release.

Psaki, who now hosts a show on MSNBC, reflected on the current political climate, highlighting recent protests against the Trump administration and how Democratic leaders, in a move to extend Obamacare subsidies, backed a government shutdown, which had just concluded as the longest in history.

Jean-Pierre’s book, titled “Independence: Outside the Party Lines, Inside the Broken White House,” was released in October. In it, she shared her decision to leave the Democratic Party, linking her choice to the treatment of Biden following debates with Donald Trump.

Psaki commented on the political landscape, stating, “When you look around the country and see millions participating in peaceful protests, you can’t think the country is asleep.” She added that there’s still significant work to be done and believes some interpretations of the current situation may miss the mark.

Dee Dee Meyers, a former press secretary during the Clinton administration, joined Psaki and described Jean-Pierre’s book as a “cautionary tale.” She pointed out the emotional complexities individuals face when transitioning out of the White House, suggesting that it might not be wise to write a memoir too hastily.

In various interviews promoting her book, Jean-Pierre maintained that Biden exhibited no signs of decline during her term as press secretary. However, during a CBS interview, even Stephen Colbert, a die-hard Biden supporter, expressed skepticism. He acknowledged that it takes more than heart and policies to fulfill the presidential role, hinting at doubts raised during a particularly tense moment on stage.