OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had an eyebrow raising definition of what an extremist is during one of her press briefings.
If she is to be believed, as she does speak for the White House, the official position of President Joe Biden and his administration is that an extremist is anyone who does not go along with the majority.
When questioned about what the president and the White House see as extremism her answer was telling.
“I mean, he was very clear — he was very clear that MAGA Republicans in Congress have an agenda that is extreme. And that’s what you hear from them. The national ban on abortion is extreme. And also, it’s not in line with where a majority of Americans are. It is just not. It is taking away people’s rights. It is taking away people’s freedoms,” she said.
“And, you know, he doesn’t — he believes that is an extreme agenda. You’ve heard that from him directly. I don’t even need to confirm that from here. He’s actually talked about how extreme it is.
“When we saw what was done with the Dobbs decision on June 24th — to take away a right that people had for 50 years — a constitutional right for 50 years that women had to make a decision for themselves on their healthcare. And — and so, yeah, we see that as extreme,” the press secretary said.
And then she hit on precisely what they think of anyone who disagrees with them.
“And so, when you are not with where a majority of Americans are, then, you know, that is extreme. That is an extreme way of thinking,” she said.
Apparently that means anyone who does not conform is an extremist. That would include many Republicans, Democrats and independents.
She was also asked about Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who could be the next Speaker of the House.
NOW – White House: "When you are not with what majority of Americans are, then you know, that is extreme. That is an extreme way of thinking." pic.twitter.com/MpiwE9bRlx
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) September 1, 2022
“You’re talking about Kevin McCarthy from — from that day. We’ve obviously seen, like you said, a pretty big change of heart from Leader McCarthy, you know, who has since really distanced himself from any investigation into January 6th. He really stood lockstep with the former President,” a reporter said to the press secretary.
“So, I guess, I’m asking about: What’s the President’s relationship and thoughts about Kevin McCarthy today? Does he can — does he have a relationship with him? I mean, he could very easily become the next Speaker of the House. Does he talk to him? Does — does he view Kevin McCarthy as one of these MAGA Republicans who is a threat to democracy?” he said.
Her answer was attention grabbing.
“Here’s what I’m going to say — you know, I’ve already laid out what I thought — what we think about — about — about Kevin McCarthy. We’re not going to go into any more specifics on that,” she said, hours before the president’s speech.
“This is — what we’re talking about tonight is what the President’s going to deliver to the American people and — and why it is important for — why he sees it’s important to have this convers- — conversation, why it is so important for — to talk about what is at stake at this moment.
“You know, when you ask me about the MAGA agenda, especially as it relates to Congress, as it relates to elected officials, it is one of the most extreme agendas that we have seen, and it is a part of the — it is the extreme part of the Republican Party,” she said.
“And we’re talking about: They want a nationwide ban on abortions. They want to give tax cuts to billionaires and corporations while raising taxes on middle-class Americans. They are threatening political violence, and they are attacking our democracy.
“And so, the President is going to take this time to talk to the American people, who — the majority agree with him — and talk about, you know, how can we continue to fight for our democracy and do it in an optimistic way. Take that moment to give people hope, because this President believes that we can turn this around,” she said.
