In a recent broadcast, Jen Psaki, the former White House press secretary and current MSNBC host, expressed her doubts about the effectiveness of President Biden's recent interview in bolstering his image.
Psaki, who previously served under Biden, acknowledged that the president's performance during the interview may not have been sufficient to counteract the negative perceptions that have been building since his lackluster debate against former President Trump in June.
According to Fox News, Psaki began her show by addressing the growing calls from within the Democratic Party for Biden to step down. This internal pressure has been mounting in the wake of the president's poorly received debate performance. In an attempt to regain control of the narrative, Biden participated in an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos. However, Psaki suggested that this effort may have fallen short.
"I would say it went just okay for the president," Psaki stated. "In many ways, people watching saw what they wanted to see, because for some, he looks better than he did at the debate. He did. He was more clear. He seemed much better prepared to make his case against Trump. There were also some moments not just one that did not go well."
Psaki further critiqued Biden's apparent denial of the precarious state of his campaign against Trump, and his failure to reassure his supporters about his stamina. She described the aftermath of the interview as a "sort of purgatory," where the situation was somewhat improved from the debate, but far from a decisive victory.
"Even if it was a home run, one interview definitely doesnt have the capacity to change the perception out there of 72% of voters, according to a CBS poll, who do not believe that Biden has the mental or cognitive health to serve. Even the White House and the campaign know that," Psaki said.
Psaki also addressed the ongoing "panic" within the Democratic Party, with many members uncertain about the best course of action. She admitted to receiving numerous inquiries from friends and family about the future of the party and Biden's campaign, but confessed that she did not have definitive answers.
"The questions I know Im getting from text messages from friends, from family are twofold: Whats going to happen and what is the best path forward?" Psaki said. "And Im not going to sit here this afternoon and tell you I know the answer to either question."
Psaki also warned Democrats considering a replacement for Biden that time was of the essence, with the Democratic National Convention and the election rapidly approaching. "The clock is ticking. Thats just a fact," Psaki said.
After serving as the White House press secretary under Biden until May 2022, Psaki transitioned to a role as an MSNBC contributor and later began hosting her own show, "Inside with Jen Psaki," in 2023. Her recent comments reflect the growing concern within the Democratic Party about Biden's ability to effectively lead and campaign.
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