Jen Psaki Steps into Expanded Role at MSNBC Amid GOP and Media Scrutiny

Former Biden administration press secretary Jen Psaki has taken on a more prominent role at MSNBC just as the media landscape grapples with its shortcomings in covering President Joe Biden’s health. This shift comes in the wake of revelations regarding his declining mental acuity and age-related concerns.

Starting this week, Psaki has assumed the coveted 9 p.m. ET slot from Tuesday to Friday, succeeding “The Rachel Maddow Show,” which has transitioned back to airing only on Mondays. This adjustment follows Maddow’s previous stint of broadcasting five nights a week during the early days of the Trump administration.

In her new capacity, Psaki will host “The Briefing,” a critical program that underlines the network’s confidence in her candid appeal to liberal viewers.

Psaki’s Defense Amidst Concerns

Throughout her tenure at MSNBC, Psaki often downplayed questions regarding Biden’s age and cognitive capabilities, even prior to his frail debate performance last June, which ultimately prompted his exit from the 2024 presidential race. Her previous assurances about Biden’s fitness have drawn scrutiny in light of recent developments.

During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Axios reporter Alex Thompson acknowledged that the press had failed to adequately report on Biden’s decline. He emphasized the need for self-reflection among journalists.

“Being truth tellers means acknowledging the truth about ourselves. We missed significant aspects of this story,” Thompson stated, pointing out that deception can occur in any administration, regardless of political affiliation.

Questioning Biden’s Cognitive State

Psaki served as Biden’s first press secretary from 2021 until May 2022. Her defense of the White House policies gained her a loyal following among progressive audiences. Despite this, she insists that she did not observe any significant warning signs regarding Biden’s cognitive health while in office.

“I never witnessed any decline, not once, and I was in the Oval Office daily,” Psaki remarked on the “Mixed Signals” podcast, attempting to dispel growing concerns.

She added that aging is a natural process and can manifest quickly. Her comments come as she revisits her feelings about Biden during the infamous debate that intensified scrutiny of his abilities.

Addressing Public Concerns

Previously, Psaki expressed discomfort about Biden’s performance, prioritizing his well-being over political outcomes. She recalled her concern following the debate: “My first thought was not about the election but whether he was okay. I care about him as a human being.”

“I have genuine concern for him as a person,” she reiterated, reflecting on the mixed feelings surrounding his potential fitness to serve another term.

While previously dismissing worries about Biden’s age, she now emphasizes that the alternative to his presidency, should he not run, raises even more significant concerns—particularly, the prospect of Donald Trump reclaiming the White House.

Media Failings and Political Landscape

In recent discussions, Psaki has critiqued the media’s handling of Biden’s perceived decline, asserting that the focus should not solely be on age-based comparisons between candidates. She pointedly questioned how Biden could be seen as both a “sympathetic elderly man” with cognitive issues and a “smooth operator” responsible for complex political maneuvers.

In the face of these challenges, she has urged viewers to consider the overarching stakes of the upcoming election rather than getting sidetracked by gaffes or age-related remarks.

On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Psaki expressed concern that the dialogue should not devolve into comparing gaffes between candidates. “If we concentrate on who makes more mistakes, we miss the bigger picture of what this election entails,” she pointed out.

The Broader Impact of Coverage

As Psaki continues her progression with MSNBC, her experience as a spokesperson has positioned her uniquely in understanding the intersection of politics and media. She acknowledges that some critical stories regarding Biden’s health may have been overlooked.

“The media landscape can be critical after the fact. It’s simpler to critique coverage with retrospect,” she admitted, indicating a recognition of the complexities involved in political reporting.

A Balancing Act Ahead

As she prepares for her enhanced role, Psaki has entailed that MSNBC’s primetime hosts will maintain a critical view of the opposing party, particularly concerning Trump’s past actions while in office.

“We intend to analyze the opposition’s strategies and highlight future leadership discussions. Our discourse about Trump will typically not be favorable,” Psaki conveyed on “The Grill Room” podcast with Dylan Byers.

The opportunity Psaki has at MSNBC allows her to cultivate a platform for discussions about substantial political issues while navigating the intricacies of public sentiment.

MSNBC has yet to provide a statement in response to requests for comment regarding Psaki’s evolving role and the network’s direction amid ongoing electoral discussions.