White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre held a press briefing for the first time since President Biden announced he would not seek a second term and stressed that his decision was not due to his health.
After offering his condolences to the family and friends of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died over the weekend, and condemning the murder of Sonya Massey, who was fatally shot by an Illinois sheriff’s deputy in her home, Jean-Pierre addressed Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
Reading a letter released Sunday by Biden, Jean-Pierre said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. And while I intend to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and country for me to step aside and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.”
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At a White House press briefing Friday, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment on the unrest overnight in the Middle East. (Getty Images)
Jean-Pierre defended the president and denied any idea of resigning from his current post and then highlighted his achievements during his term.
“We think any suggestion of that kind is ridiculous. I simply outlined what the president has been able to do in nearly four years, and it has been a success,” Jean-Pierre said. “He has been able to do more than any president has been able to do in two terms. He has been able to do more in one term, and he wants to finish the job he started and deliver historic results for the American people.”
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White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre and President Joe Biden. (Getty Images)
Asked why Biden resigned and whether it was related to his health, Jean-Pierre again dodged the question and deferred to the president’s speech Wednesday night.
“The president is going to speak directly to the American people tonight, in prime time. I know many of you will be watching. There are specials tonight. I promise you, he will speak directly to all of you tonight,” she said. “But in his letter, he talked about the country. He talked about the party. He talked about the situation right now. It’s not about his health. I can say no, that’s not the reason. But listen to him tonight.”
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White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre and President Joe Biden. (Getty Images)
Asked whether Biden felt intimidated into leaving the race, Jean-Pierre again referred to Biden’s speech Wednesday night and said his decision to withdraw was not an easy one.
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“This is obviously a historic moment, but a decision like this is very personal. It’s not an easy one to make. And I think there are very few politicians who are able to look at the situation and make a decision. And I think it shows how honorable this president is, how selfless he is, that he was able to make this decision and say this is not about me, this is about the American people,” Jean-Pierre said.
“It’s about the country and, again, a personal and difficult decision. So I think that speaks for itself, really.”
