### Karine Jean-Pierre Leaves Democratic Party, Calls for Embrace of Independence

Karine Jean-Pierre, previously the White House press secretary during President Joe Biden's administration, has officially left the Democratic party to declare herself an independent. This revelation comes from the publisher of her forthcoming book, underscoring not just a personal shift but also a significant commentary on the nation’s political landscape.

Jean-Pierre, who has served under two Democratic presidencies, plans to expose the critical moments leading to President Biden's extraordinary decision to exit the 2024 presidential race in her upcoming book. Titled "Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines," the memoir is poised to provide an in-depth recounting of "the three weeks that led to Biden's abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic party that led to his decision."

Her departure and new book arrive at a time when the Democratic party faces scrutiny over its united stance behind Biden, despite increasing concerns about his age and mental sharpness as America's oldest-serving president. Jean-Pierre's tenure saw growing tensions between her and the White House press corps, especially around demands for more transparency concerning Biden's health.

The memoir also reveals a harsh critique of Biden’s inner circle in managing information about his well-being. The president's battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has metastasized to his bones, further complicated these issues. Jean-Pierre recounts the intense fallout following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump in June, where Biden appeared disoriented. According to her, the Democratic party’s reaction was akin to a "firing squad."

In reflecting on her decision to leave the Democratic party, Jean-Pierre notes that the move was not made lightly. Her book, which is promoted as a "hard-hitting yet hopeful critique," encourages Americans to transcend traditional party affiliations and consider independence. Her perspective aligns with a broader trend, as suggested by recent Gallup polling: 43% of Americans now identify as independents, a significantly higher proportion than those who identify as either Democrats (28%) or Republicans (28%).

The publisher highlights Jean-Pierre as a trailblazer, emphasizing her roles as the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House press secretary. Her message calls on Americans to look beyond the entrenched blue-and-red divide to save democracy, urging a break from conventional political affiliations. Through her advocacy and writing, Jean-Pierre hopes to inspire the nation to consider new possibilities beyond established party lines.