Jean-Pierre Sidelined as Kirby Assumes Lead Role in White House Briefings
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Karine Jean-Pierre has ceded an "unprecedented" amount of briefing time to John Kirby, with Kirby speaking for almost as much time as Jean-Pierre in recent briefings. This dynamic was a fear of Jean-Pierre's when she started.
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Kirby's frequent presence is attributed to his expertise on national security issues like the war in the Middle East, but he has remained even as foreign policy ranks low on voters' priority list.
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Jean-Pierre was reportedly upset when Biden awkwardly announced Kirby would join her team. Her top deputy is also leaving, clearing the way for Kirby.
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While Jean-Pierre struggles on domestic issues, Kirby has garnered more respect from observers and Republicans for his performance.
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Past press secretaries brought in policy experts as guests, but none had a "co-press secretary" appear so frequently as Kirby has alongside Jean-Pierre.