Former Press Secretary Grilled on Past Defense of Biden's Fitness for Term Until 2029

Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently faced intense questioning from CNN anchor Brianna Keilar regarding her past assertions about President Joe Biden's capability to serve a full second term, which would have extended until 2029. The pointed exchange occurred as Jean-Pierre promoted her new book, "Independent," and took place against the backdrop of President Biden's decision to abandon his 2024 re-election campaign earlier this year.

During the interview, Keilar directly challenged Jean-Pierre on her previous stance, stating, "Do you think that he is capable right now of being president? Because that was what you were advocating for: someone who would be president in his current state until 2029." This line of questioning pressed the former Press Secretary on her unwavering defense of Biden's fitness during her tenure, particularly in light of ongoing public scrutiny regarding his age and stamina.

Jean-Pierre consistently maintained her position, asserting she had "no concerns" about President Biden's cognitive state. "I saw him on a daily basis, Brianna. You know that. I saw him every day," Jean-Pierre explained, emphasizing her direct observations of his performance and engagement. While acknowledging that Biden "showed age," she insisted he was "sharp" and "on top of the policies that he cared about."

The interview gained particular relevance following President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race in June 2024, a decision widely attributed to concerns over his age and a widely perceived poor debate performance. This context amplified Keilar's questions, prompting a re-evaluation of the administration's previous assurances about his capacity to lead for another four years. Jean-Pierre also addressed her decision to leave the Democratic Party and become an independent, a theme explored in her new memoir.

Jean-Pierre's book, "Independent," released this week, reportedly details her experiences within the Biden administration and her subsequent shift in political affiliation. Her appearance on CNN is part of a broader press tour, during which she is expected to further discuss her tenure as Press Secretary and the factors that led to her departure from the Democratic Party, as well as her role as a senior advisor to Biden from 2024 to 2025.