Karine Jean-Pierre, the first black and openly lesbian White House Press Secretary, has announced she’s cutting ties with the Democratic Party and re-registering as an Independent. The revelation comes ahead of her October book release, Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines.
The book’s description offers a glimpse into her reasoning:
“In a country obsessed with blind loyalty to a two-party democratic system, Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary to the Biden-Harris administration, shares why Americans must step beyond party lines to embrace life as Independents.”
The decision follows the three weeks that led to Biden’s abandoning his bid for a second term and her perceived betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision. President Joe Biden, after his widely criticized debate performance against now-President Donald Trump on June 27, faced growing pressure from Democrats, including at least 20 members of Congress, some openly LGBTQ, to exit the race. He eventually dropped out on July 25, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
Jean-Pierre, once a staunch voice for the Biden-Harris administration, now questions the party’s moral compass. In a candid Instagram video, she said,
“In an era of misinformation, disinformation, the regressiveness of social policy… we need to… think outside of our boxes and not be so partisan.”
Her message could resonate with queer Americans! A 2024 poll found that 30% of queer voters already identify as Independent. The same survey showed strong support among Independents for LGBTQ rights and protections. Jean-Pierre now says she’s committed to working side-by-side with anyone, as long as the person respects the community she belongs to and vulnerable communities that she respects. Is This A ‘Dog Whistle’ For the queer community?
