Jen Psaki on Biden’s Administration: Action Over Narrative and Economic Recovery

In a recent interview with *Fortune*, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki reflected on the challenges faced by the Biden administration, particularly in the early days of President Joe Biden‘s term. Psaki, who now hosts the show “Inside with Jen Psaki” on MSNBC, highlighted the dire economic conditions inherited by the Biden administration in January 2021. The economy was “in a downward spiral” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused supply chain slowdowns, business closures, and significant unemployment.

Psaki emphasized that the administration’s focus on immediate action to address these issues often overshadowed the need for a compelling narrative. “When you’re sitting in the government, your job is not just to communicate about the moment, it’s to act,” she said. This intense focus on action meant less time for crafting and communicating a narrative that could inspire public confidence.

Despite the administration’s efforts to improve economic conditions, Psaki noted that communicating these improvements to the public remains challenging. She compared the situation to “pulling yourself out of a ditch,” where gradual improvements may not immediately resonate with the public. Psaki drew from her experience working under President Barack Obama during the recession, where similar communication challenges were faced.

However, Psaki remains optimistic about the legacy of the Biden administration. She praised the administration’s progressive and impactful economic policies, including the landmark $490 million investment in clean energy and climate action through the Inflation Reduction Act. According to Psaki, these initiatives have positioned the U.S. economy favorably compared to European countries, with significant gains in the labor market and a strong transition to renewables.

In addition to her reflections on the Biden administration, Psaki has been actively discussing the upcoming elections on her show. Recently, she was joined by MSNBC analyst Michael Steel and political strategist Lis Smith to evaluate the momentum of Vice President Kamala Harris‘s campaign as Election Day approaches).