Jill Biden fires back at Dems criticizing memoir over 2024 election revelations: 'Say it to my face'
WASHINGTON, DC: Former first lady Jill Biden pushed back against criticism surrounding her newly released memoir, telling detractors to address their concerns directly to her rather than through public comments.
Speaking at an event for her book, 'View From the East Wing', at the Sixth & I Synagogue in Washington on June 3, Biden defended the memoir amid renewed scrutiny of the Democratic Party's handling of former President Joe Biden's reelection bid and eventual withdrawal from the 2024 race.
Criticism sparks response
During a conversation with journalist Paola Ramos, Jill Biden was asked about criticism from Andrew Bates, a former White House spokesperson, who questioned why painful discussions surrounding the 2024 election were being revisited publicly.
Bates told the New York Post, "I don’t see why that painful conversation for the party needed to be publicly reopened right now."
Biden dismissed the criticism, noting that politics occupied only a small portion of the memoir.
"I want to say to Andrew: Call me up, and say it to my face, buddy," she said.
She emphasized that the book primarily focuses on her four years as first lady rather than on political controversies.
Honest with Joe Biden
The former first lady also spoke about her relationship with Joe Biden, saying she is candid with him even when conversations are difficult.
"He is the love of my life, but I have to tell you I’m honest with him. Because no one else will be," Biden said.
She added that she applies the same approach when interacting with her grandchildren. "I’m trying to make them better — not worse," she said.
When asked about the June 2024 presidential debate that ultimately contributed to Joe Biden ending his reelection campaign, Biden said she was not present during his debate preparations.
"I was out campaigning," she explained. "So I didn’t see him at debate camp at Camp David."
Reflecting on 2024 debate
Biden acknowledged that revisiting the debate has been one of the most difficult parts of her book tour.
"I never wanted to see that moment again in my life but since I’ve been doing press for two days, they’re like, ‘Watch this clip,’" she said.
Questions about her role in encouraging Joe Biden to seek a second term have persisted since he departed from the race. Biden said she noticed signs of aging but did not view them as unusual.
"I saw Joe aging. My God, we all saw him aging," she said.
She added that his lifelong stutter appeared more pronounced at times but believed it reflected normal aging."I thought this was natural aging," she said.
Secret White House message
Biden further declined to reveal a message she left behind on a frosted White House window on the Bidens' final morning in residence. "Hell was freezing over," she joked when asked about the note.
When pressed to reveal its contents, she remained firm. "I’ll never tell," she said.
The June 3 event also coincided with Biden's 75th birthday. She told attendees that the white corsage she wore had been given to her by Joe Biden earlier that day, continuing a family tradition.
