Karine Jean-Pierre Laments Democrats' Attacks on Biden After Debate

Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed her frustration this week over the brutal backlash that former President Joe Biden faced from his own party following his disastrous debate performance against President Donald Trump in late June. Speaking at a Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics forum, Jean-Pierre described the aftermath as nothing short of a “firing squad.”

Jean-Pierre, known for her unwavering loyalty to Biden during her time at the White House, struggled to conceal her disappointment with how Democratic leadership turned on Biden when he needed support the most. “I had never seen a party do that in the way that they did, and it was hurtful and sad to see that happening,” she said. “A firing squad around a person who I believe was a true patriot.”

Key Points:

• Disastrous Debate Fallout: Biden’s poor performance in the June debate against Trump seemed to confirm what many Americans have felt for years—his age and cognitive decline are impossible to ignore. Instead of rallying behind him, Democrats appeared to seize the moment to distance themselves from a failing leader.

• Internal Party Chaos: When asked if it was Democrats leading the charge against Biden, Jean-Pierre didn’t hesitate: “Yep, I had never seen anything like that.” The open criticism from his own party highlights a fractured and desperate Democratic establishment struggling to find a viable path forward.

• Democracy Rhetoric Falls Flat: Jean-Pierre attempted to frame the backlash as a missed opportunity to “save our democracy,” but for many, the real issue is that Biden’s leadership has left the country in crisis. The American public has been grappling with sky-high inflation, a weakened border, and rising global threats all under Biden’s watch.

Jean-Pierre’s comments inadvertently shine a light on the deep divides within the Democratic Party. While the former press secretary may believe Biden has accomplished more in one term than many presidents in two, polling suggests Americans strongly disagree. As of June, Biden’s approval rating sat at a dismal 39%, with only 32% of Americans believing the country is on the right track, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The bitter infighting on the left is a gift to Republicans as they head into the 2024 election cycle. Trump’s decisive debate performance only solidified his status as the GOP frontrunner, while Biden’s faltering grasp on his own party raises serious doubts about his ability to lead the nation for another term.

As the Democratic Party scrambles to regroup, Jean-Pierre’s candid remarks may serve as a stark reminder of their internal struggles a reality that voters will not easily forget.

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