MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on Monday criticized the majority of Donald Trump’s Republican 2024 rivals for their reluctance to criticize the former president.
“It seems that nearly all of the serious contenders to take on Trump have basically decided that it’s better to stand by him during the primary,” said Psaki, who served as press secretary in Joe Biden’s White House.
“But here’s the thing: it is not working,” she continued, pointing out that candidates such as former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are still behind frontrunner Trump in the polls.
Psaki acknowledged that criticism of Trump by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson hadn’t necessarily improved their chances, but at least they “have clearly determined that they won’t be remembered as enablers by history,” she said.
“The rest of the field, however, is in a position where they are effectively enabling a guy who led an attempted coup,” Psaki added. “And why? To maybe win a few delegates?”
“I’m genuinely asking you this. What do they hope to gain from this?” said Psaki. “Does Nikki Haley want to be vice president that badly? Is Tim Scott hoping to become secretary of commerce? What is it? Ron DeSantis just started his second term as governor. Don’t even get me started on Mike Pence. I have absolutely no idea what he wants from this.”