A former press secretary for Jill Biden has stated that the former first lady has done “more harm than good for her credibility” by revisiting memories of President Joe Biden’s disastrous 2024 debate performance and the resulting health concerns.
Contradictory Statements
“The toothpaste is out of the tube,” Michael LaRosa said in an interview with CNN’s Paula Reid on Sunday. “So the problem for her is, as I said before, she is saying something completely different now that only invites the rest of us to ask, was she telling the truth then, or is she telling the truth now?”
Last week, “CBS News Sunday Morning” released a clip of the former first lady, who is on a press tour promoting her upcoming memoir, claiming she was scared “to death” that President Joe Biden was “having a stroke” onstage during his debate performance against Donald Trump.
Contrast with Past Comments
The former first lady’s comments about a health concern, which are also reportedly detailed in her new book, starkly contrast with her remarks at a watch party shortly after the debate. At that time, she praised her husband for doing a “great job” and answering “every question.” The two later visited a Waffle House for a photo op while picking up a food order.
LaRosa told Reid that Jill Biden revisiting her husband’s debate performance and its fallout is “absolutely not” helpful to her or the Democratic Party, adding that she is “singing a little bit of a different tune” on the issue than she did two years ago.
Reactions from Former Officials
Biden’s new book is reportedly not sitting well with former administration officials. Ex-White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates questioned to the New York Post why “that painful conversation for the party needed to be publicly reopened right now.”
When asked by NBC’s “Today” show host Craig Melvin how she reconciles her alleged health concerns with her public comments after the debate, the former first lady emphasized that she was juggling events on their public schedule.
“I’m his wife. I’ve got to lift him up,” Biden said before reflecting on her watch party comments. “I want to say things that are true. And so, I said, ‘You answered every question.’ My mind’s racing.”
“That’s a pretty low bar,” interjected Melvin, whose comments sparked nervous laughter from Biden.
