Published on February 14, 2024, 12:30 am

When Karine Jean-Pierre assumed her role as White House press secretary, there was an outpour of excitement and celebration from many spheres. For one, she steadily rose to fame as the first openly gay black woman to hold this position – a milestone worth celebrating in our society where inclusivity matters.

However, her performance in the position has proven less praiseworthy. Jean Pierre’s struggle during press briefings quickly became evident; struggling significantly with questions even though the media has been far from hostile towards. The heavy reliance on written notes seemed to underscore an unpreparedness for such a pivotal role.

Yet, some critics believe that the criticism launched against Jean-Pierre is anchored in racism and not her performance deficit. It’s also believed that increased reliance on John Kirby, recently promoted to White House National Security Communications Adviser probably due to his ability to handle foreign affairs situations better trips on racial wires.

The New York Times noted that Jean-Pierre seems to be increasingly fading into the background since John Kirby took prominence following Hamas’ unexpected attack on Israel last October 7th. When asked about this situation within the White House corridors, most officials shied away from wading into this racially-sensitive issue.

In all fairness though, it should be mentioned that amid international news requiring immediate attention, maybe Kirby’s roles have simply expanded understandably so at this critical time – something the White House itself acknowledges but insists will revert once peace returns to the Middle East.

With these developments though comes rife speculation; speculations regarding why President Biden would allow Mr. Kirby who is white by race seemingly overshadow a black woman amidst his administration has raised eyebrows causing people shy away from commenting objectively about the matter fearing misinterpretation of their opinions as disrespect.

Even insiders see discussing Ms. Jean Pierre and Mr. Kirby’s evolving roles to be politically and culturally sensitive hence opt for anonymity when airing their views on this troubling scenario.

Yet some critics don’t mince words; most vocal perhaps is April Ryan, a reporter with The Grio and White House correspondent since the Clinton era. She expresses the view that there has been a lack in diversity in the briefing room for too long, creating this ‘white male-dominated space’ at expense of people of color.

Ryan also pointedly calls out what she refers to as the ironic fact that Biden’s declining poll numbers largely stem from failures on foreign affairs – which seems to portray Jean-Pierre in dimmer light.

Others however believe that at heart of it all – the rising murmurs, and whispers about Jean-Pierre’s performance, lays one glaring truth: perhaps she simply isn’t cut out for her job. A notable incident was when she was seen to have botched her mourning message concerning three soldiers that had fallen victim to an Iranian-backed airstrike in Jordan.

Given it is an election year and President Biden seeks another term, some degree of damage control upon recognizing a potentially sinking ship within his administration was expected. To suggest then, that race plays as much a part on this unfolding scenario as it has been touted might be more reflective of political gamesmanship rather than stone cold racism critics heavily imply.

Thus emerging are opinions like ones floated by Jeff Charles, Redstate and Newsweek contributor who believes miss-steps like these could potentially dent Biden’s bid for a second term more than Jean-Pierre’s skin color ever could. In conclusion, can we honestly afford any intertwined complexity between policymaking and interracial rhetoric amidst such uncertain times? Let’s realize real news doesn’t involve making hay where none exists but lies in trusted reporting rooted in verifiable facts and sound judgement devoid racial biases – embodying genuine Christian Worldview values flanked with humility, love, kindness amongst other virtues synonymous with leadership.