NPR's Book of the Day Karine Jean-Pierre’s new memoir 'Independent' explains why she left the Democrats
6 snips
Nov 3, 2025 
Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and author of the memoir 'Independent,' shares her journey of leaving the Democratic Party. She discusses the disunity within the party and critiques its failure to support Black women effectively. Jean-Pierre also defends President Biden's fitness, drawing from her experiences, while addressing criticisms of her own performance. She elaborates on her reasons for identifying as an independent, urging a broader conversation about reimagining politics in America.
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Debate Moment That Sparked Concern
- Karine Jean-Pierre first saw President Biden speak during the June 2024 debate and noticed he sounded hoarse and unwell.
- She worried that any minor symptom would be used to question his fitness and age by critics.
Disunity Amplified Vulnerabilities
- Jean-Pierre insists she saw no reason to question Biden's mental acuity despite public doubts.
- She argues internal Democratic disunity and criticism amplified vulnerabilities rather than defended the president.
Facing Internal Sniping
- Jean-Pierre recounts personal sniping she faced, including critiques that she was wooden or lacked policy knowledge.
- She says she stayed quiet then to focus on her role and because critics often resented those who wanted her job.
