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Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced her departure from the Democratic Party to become an independent, symbolizing the party’s broader struggles following their 2024 election losses. Her decision comes amid what observers describe as the Democrats’ worst period in recent memory, marked by poor polling numbers, internal leadership battles and difficulty reconnecting with voters.
Ms. Jean-Pierre’s announcement coincided with the reveal of her upcoming book, “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines,” scheduled for release in October.
The publisher indicates the book will offer Ms. Jean-Pierre’s critical assessment of America’s two-party system and detail the events surrounding former President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, including what she characterizes as betrayal by Democratic Party leadership.
The former press secretary, who served as one of the party’s primary messengers, cited the need to “stop thinking in boxes” and avoid excessive partisanship in explaining her decision. Her departure represents a significant symbolic blow to Democrats, who have struggled since President Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2024 and Republicans’ control of Congress.
The party faces internal turmoil through leadership conflicts, particularly involving 25-year-old DNC Vice Chair David Hogg. His threats to primary incumbent Democrats with younger, more liberal candidates has created a rift with party elders, who are considering invalidating his election over procedural issues.
Democrats’ messaging struggles are exemplified by their mocked $20 million plan to win back young male voters through video game advertising and studying online communication patterns. Social media users ridiculed Rep. Eric Swalwell’s profanity-laden taco-eating video attempting to criticize Mr. Trump’s tariff policies.
Trump pollster Jim McLaughlin characterized the situation bluntly, stating that “nobody wants to be a Democrat anymore” due to toxic policies and branding. Ms. Jean-Pierre’s move to independence, four months after leaving the White House, represents what her publisher calls part of “the growing fractured electorate that is independent,” highlighting voters’ increasing dissatisfaction with traditional party politics.
Read more: How bad is it? Biden’s White House press secretary dumps the Democratic Party
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