MSNBC host Jen Psaki admitted Sunday that President Biden’s recent interview might not help her former boss.
Psaki opened her show noting Democrats calling on Biden to step down after his poor debate performance against Trump in June. Following the debate, Biden did an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos to counter the critics.
However, Psaki said it probably wasn’t enough to change things.
"I would say it went just okay for the president," Psaki said. "People saw what they wanted. He looked better than at the debate. He was clearer and better prepared. But there were moments that did not go well."
Biden seemed "in denial" about the race against Trump and didn’t assure his supporters about his stamina.
"When the interview ended, it left us in a sort of purgatory. It was better than the debate, but not a home run. Even if it was a home run, one interview can't change the perception of 72% of voters, according to a CBS poll, who think Biden lacks the mental or cognitive health to serve," Psaki said.
Psaki also said the "panic" within the Democratic Party hasn’t died down, with most people unsure about the next step.
"The questions I’m getting from friends and family are: What’s going to happen and what’s the best path forward?" Psaki said. "I don’t know the answer to either question."
She warned that any plan to replace Biden needs to start soon with the Democratic National Convention and election approaching.
"The clock is ticking. That’s just a fact," Psaki said.
Psaki was White House press secretary under Biden until May 2022. She joined MSNBC as a contributor and started hosting "Inside with Jen Psaki" in 2023.