‘I’ve Answered Your Question’: Psaki Shuts Down Reporter Pressing On Biden’s Role In Systemic Racism

White House press secretary Jen Psaki cut off a New York Post reporter when he pressed her on President Joe Biden’s “role in systemic racism” after he authored the 1994 crime bill which experts have said contributed to systemic racism.

Reporter Steve Nelson questioned Psaki Wednesday about Biden’s role in the 1994 crime bill, noting multiple laws crafted by Biden “disproportionately jailed black people and contributed to what many people see as systemic racism.”

“To what extent does President Biden acknowledge his own role in systemic racism, and how does that inform his current policy positions?” Nelson continued.

Psaki initially appeared to deflect from the first half of the question.

“Well, I would say that the President is – one of the President’s core objectives is addressing racial injustice in this country not just through his rhetoric, but through his actions,” Psaki said. (RELATED: PBS Reporter Asks About The ‘Mess’ Created By The 1994 Crime Bill – Joe Biden Laughs)

“And what anyone should look to is his advocacy for passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, for nominating leaders to the Department of Justice to address long-outdated policies, and to ask his team – leadership team here in the White House to prioritize these issues in his presidency, which is current and today and not from 30 years ago.”

Nelson again asked Psaki whether Biden believes “it’s important to accept his own culpability in setting up a system–” before Psaki cuts him off.

“I think I’ve answered your question,” she quickly responded before moving on to other questions.

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 is best known for its contributio... (Read more)

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