The Couch Room: Jen Psaki on Media, Politics, and Public Service

The auditorium at George Washington University is filled with a diverse audience of students, journalists, political staffers, and interested citizens. The stage features a comfortable navy blue couch and a matching armchair arranged at an angle, with warm lighting creating an intimate atmosphere despite the large venue. Dr. Marcus Bennett sits in the armchair with a leather-bound clipboard, while Jen Psaki, dressed in a tailored blazer and slacks, settles onto the couch. Having transitioned from White House Press Secretary to television host, Psaki carries herself with the poised confidence of someone who has managed high-pressure communications in the most challenging environments. The audience quiets as the cameras begin rolling.

Dr. Bennett: "Good evening and welcome to this special edition of The Couch Room. I'm Dr. Marcus Bennett, and tonight we're honored to be joined by someone who has been at the center of American political communication for years. Jen Psaki has served as White House Communications Director under President Obama, Press Secretary under President Biden, and now hosts her own program on MSNBC. Jen, thank you for joining us tonight."

Psaki: "Thanks, Marcus. It's good to be here—and in a setting where I'm not standing at a podium for once."

Dr. Bennett: "Jen, you've gone from shaping presidential messaging behind the scenes to becoming one of the most watched political voices on television. How does that transition feel? Was this part of your plan—or just the evolution of the times?"

Psaki smiles and shifts slightly in her seat, her expression thoughtful as she considers the question. Her body language suggests both comfort with being interviewed and the natural instinct of someone used to carefully weighing her words.

Psaki: "Thanks, Marcus. It's good to be here—and no, it wasn't the plan! When you're a press secretary, you're trained to deliver the message and not become the message. So it's definitely strange to be on this side of the questions. But after years in the Obama and Biden administrations, I realized how much people crave clarity. So if I can help unpack complex issues for viewers, and bring some truth to the chaos—it feels like a worthy use of this platform."

Dr. Bennett: "You've hosted ambassadors, senators, and activists—and recently ran a segment that really caught people's attention. It was called 'It's working,' and you highlighted how leaders like Van Hollen, Cory Booker, and AOC are seeing results from standing up publicly. That felt different. More than commentary—it felt like a call."

Psaki: "It was. I've seen what happens when people stay silent out of fear, and I've seen the power of taking a stand, even when it's risky. That segment was about reminding people that courage is contagious—and in a moment when our democracy feels fragile, we need leaders who are visible, vocal, and values-driven. People are paying attention. Resistance isn't just moral—it's practical."

Dr. Bennett: "That brings me to your political roots. You've worked with John Kerry, Obama, Biden. You've seen the inside of campaigns, State Department halls, and press rooms. But what would you say is the through-line of your political philosophy? What still motivates you?"

Psaki: "Honestly? It's that politics can still be a force for good—but only if we hold our leaders accountable and fight disinformation with facts. Whether I was briefing from a podium or now anchoring a news hour, it's always been about service, storytelling, and giving people tools to navigate the storm."

Dr. Bennett: "You recently published a book called 'Say More.' Why now? What prompted you to write it?"

Psaki reaches for her water glass, taking a small sip before answering. There's a noticeable shift in her energy as she discusses her book, suggesting it represents something personally meaningful beyond her professional history.

Psaki: "I've had this phrase in my head for years—'Say more.' It's what I often asked colleagues, kids, friends... It's how you get past the headline and into what people actually think or feel. The timing just felt right. After leaving the White House, I realized that there are so many lessons I've learned—mostly the hard way—about communicating clearly in moments of chaos, tension, even humor."

Dr. Bennett: "I noticed that the book isn't just political memoir. It's almost a manual—for parents, professionals, even people just trying to be heard in a noisy room."

Psaki: "Exactly. Look, I've stood at that podium fielding questions from 40 reporters, and I've also stood in my kitchen trying to explain war to a 6-year-old. Both situations require clarity, compassion, and presence. Say More isn't just for pundits or policy wonks—it's for anyone who's trying to have better conversations in real life."

Dr. Bennett: "One of the most striking takeaways—and it really ties into your recent 'It's Working' segment—is your belief that being visible matters. You wrote that 'standing up publicly, even imperfectly, often beats staying quiet perfectly.' Can you say more about that?"

Psaki: "I see what you did there. Yes. I believe strongly that perfection is not the goal. Courage is. When Cory Booker spoke for 25 hours, when AOC and Bernie showed up in swing states, when Van Hollen flew to El Salvador—they didn't do it because it was polished. They did it because someone had to. That kind of public, visible resistance creates a ripple. And sometimes that ripple turns into policy or court rulings or even donations. It's real."

Dr. Bennett: "Let's shift into slightly trickier waters. You've made the leap from the White House to MSNBC—not just as a contributor but as a prime-time host. Some critics have raised questions about media ethics. How do you respond to the idea that cable news and politics have become too cozy?"

Psaki's posture straightens slightly, her expression becoming more serious. She takes a moment before answering, recognizing the weight of the question in today's media landscape.

Psaki: "Look, I get it. That skepticism exists for a reason. But here's how I see it: I'm transparent about my background. People know where I've worked and what I believe. My job now isn't to pretend I've never stepped into politics—it's to ask real questions, bring clarity to complicated issues, and hold everyone, including Democrats, accountable. And frankly, if someone's looking for an emotionless robot, I'm not your person."

Dr. Bennett: "You've also been open about your continued engagement with Democratic politics. In July 2024, you endorsed Kamala Harris. What led you to that decision?"

Psaki: "Kamala was stepping into a historic and deeply turbulent moment. After Biden withdrew from the race, the party needed stability and strength. I've worked with Kamala, I know her capabilities, and I believe in her. That doesn't mean she's perfect—no one is. But I endorsed her because I believe she's the best bridge between experience and future leadership, especially given the stakes."

Dr. Bennett: "Some would say she still hasn't won over the younger, more skeptical wing of the Democratic base. What's your take on that challenge?"

Psaki: "It's real. And she has to meet it directly—not with slogans, but with substance. That's where communication matters. Younger voters want clarity, policy, and sincerity. If she tries to over-spin, it won't work. But if she listens and adapts—if she says more and evades less—she can build that trust."

Dr. Bennett: "I'd like to ask about a recent segment on your show that made quite an impact. You did an exposé titled 'No good, very bad day for Pete Hegseth' that broke down some serious national security concerns. What prompted that report?"

Psaki's expression shifts to one of focused intensity, her demeanor becoming more journalistic as she prepares to discuss a serious news story she covered. She leans forward slightly, signaling her engagement with this topic.

Psaki: "It really started with what I'd call a perfect storm of irresponsibility and hypocrisy. You had a Fox weekend host—Pete Hegseth—with no serious Pentagon experience, suddenly in one of the most sensitive roles in national security. That's already alarming. But when multiple sources and reports started piling up about actual operational leaks, it wasn't just about bad judgment anymore—it was a national security concern."

Dr. Bennett: "You didn't hold back. You walked viewers step-by-step through his background, personal conduct, and recent communications. Would you summarize the core facts for our audience here?"

Psaki: "Of course. It's important we lay out what's documented: Hegseth had no Pentagon background. None. His main qualification? Hosting a weekend opinion show. His personal history raised red flags: admitted to not washing his hands, allegations of drunkenness on the job, financial mismanagement at veterans groups, and reported abusive behavior toward women—including his ex-wife."

Psaki: "Then it got dangerous: He texted classified Yemen strike plans to a journalist—Jeffrey Goldberg—and later denied it publicly. But screenshots surfaced. Instead of coming clean, he doubled down, claiming they weren't 'war plans.' That's not how national security works."

Psaki: "Then it got worse—a second Signal chat thread emerged. This time, he was reportedly sharing information with his wife, brother, and even his personal lawyer. His wife, who has no role at the Department of Defense, was allegedly sitting in on sensitive military meetings. Even if she had clearance, she wouldn't have need-to-know access, which is fundamental to national security protocol."

Psaki: "Meanwhile, others at the Pentagon were fired for 'leaks'—while Hegseth remained in place. And when one of his top aides, John Elliott, published an op-ed predicting more bombshells, that got my attention."

Dr. Bennett: "You've covered a lot of corruption, Jen—but this one felt different. Less spin, more stark reality."

Psaki: "That's how I approached it. No snark, no partisan analysis. Just: Here's what happened. Here's why it's dangerous. The media often gets lost in spectacle, but this story demanded focus. And frankly, the public deserves better from people entrusted with life-and-death decisions."

Dr. Bennett: "Let's take some questions from the audience. Yes, the woman in the red blazer."

A woman in her early thirties stands, microphone in hand. She introduces herself as a communications professor at Georgetown University, her question reflecting both professional and personal interest in Psaki's career path.

Audience Member 1: "Ms. Psaki, you've talked about the culture of fear in today's political climate—how it's silencing some and empowering others. How do we reclaim the narrative when so many institutions seem intimidated?"

Psaki: "Fear thrives in darkness. The antidote is transparency and pressure. We have to make it clear that intimidation won't work—that if you try to silence universities, law firms, or media, you'll face even more scrutiny. I want the country to get back to being brave, not scared. That means people from all walks of life—not just politicians—stepping up."

Psaki: "Look at what happened with Harvard. When the trustees initially caved to political pressure, it created a vacuum. But then faculty, students, and alumni pushed back. Courage is contagious—one institution standing firm gives others permission to do the same. We need to recognize that pattern and support it."

Dr. Bennett: "Next question, please. The gentleman in the blue shirt."

A young man, likely a student, stands with a notebook in hand. His question reveals concerns about media trust and polarization that many in his generation share.

Audience Member 2: "How do you maintain credibility as both a journalist and someone with clear political affiliations? My conservative family members would never watch your show because they assume bias."

Psaki: "That's a really important question. First, I don't pretend to be neutral—I have values and experiences that shape my perspective. But I do strive to be fair and factual. I think transparency about where you're coming from is actually more honest than claiming perfect objectivity that doesn't exist."

Psaki: "But I also try to avoid the trap of 'both sides' when one side is clearly disconnected from reality. That's not bias—that's judgment. If someone says the sky is green, I'm not going to pretend that's equally valid to saying it's blue just to appear balanced."

Psaki: "As for reaching across divides—I interview people I disagree with, I present opposing arguments fairly, and I always try to separate people from policies. Your family members might be surprised if they actually watched the show. I'm tougher on Democrats than they might expect."

Dr. Bennett: "Let's take another question. The woman in the back."

An older woman stands, identifying herself as a retired State Department employee. Her question touches on the challenges women face in high-visibility communications roles.

Audience Member 3: "You navigated the White House briefing room in a time of extreme polarization. What unique challenges do women face in high-profile political communications, and has that changed over your career?"

Psaki: "The double standards are real. I was simultaneously accused of being too harsh and too soft, too emotional and too robotic. Women in these roles face constant scrutiny about appearance, tone, and likability that men simply don't experience with the same intensity."

Psaki: "But there has been progress. When I started in government communications, there were very few women in those senior roles. Now, the White House communications team and press operations across agencies are often led by women. That critical mass matters—it normalizes women's leadership and creates space for different communication styles."

Psaki: "The key is to recognize these dynamics without letting them define you. I focused on preparation, precision, and authenticity—and tried to tune out the noise about whether I smiled enough or too much or whatever the critique du jour was."

Dr. Bennett: "Another question, please. The gentleman near the center."

A middle-aged man in a tweed jacket stands. His question relates to the upcoming political landscape and future Democratic strategy.

Audience Member 4: "What role do you think communication plays in 2028 strategy for Democrats? How can the party improve its messaging to reconnect with voters it's lost?"

Psaki: "It's central. It's not just about what Democrats say, but how they say it. Are they defensive? Are they fearful? Or are they engaging people where they are? Republicans are relentless in message discipline. Democrats need to get sharper, braver, and clearer."

Psaki: "And they need to tell stories—not just cite facts. Stories stick. Policies don't go viral—but a story about how a policy changes a life? That can change a vote. Democrats have facts on their side on most issues that affect people's daily lives, but they often communicate like they're submitting an academic paper."

Psaki: "The party also needs to be present in communities it's trying to win, not just show up eight weeks before an election. Media markets are fragmented now—you need year-round, multi-channel communication that meets people where they already are."

Dr. Bennett: "Another question. The young woman in the front row."

A college student rises, her question reflecting the idealism and uncertainty many young people feel about civic engagement in today's political climate.

Audience Member 5: "I'm a journalism student, and sometimes I wonder if traditional media even matters anymore given social media and AI. What would you tell young people considering careers in political communication or journalism today?"

Psaki: "I'd say we need you more than ever. Yes, the landscape is changing rapidly, but the fundamentals haven't changed—people still need accurate information, context, and clear explanation of complex issues. If anything, the fire hose of unfiltered content online makes professional journalism more essential, not less."

Psaki: "AI and social media are tools, not replacements for human judgment. They don't do the hard work of holding power accountable, asking tough questions, or providing nuanced analysis. That's still the domain of journalists and communicators."

Psaki: "My advice is to stay curious, be rigorous about facts, learn multimedia skills, and most importantly—develop your own voice. Don't try to be a cable news clone or chase algorithmic trends. The most trusted voices in my field are the ones who remain authentic, even when it's not convenient. Your generation has the opportunity to reinvent how we communicate about politics and policy—that's exciting, not discouraging."

Dr. Bennett: "Before we wrap up, I'd like to explore more about your recent 'It's working' segment, where you highlighted how Democratic leaders are seeing real results from standing up to Trump's agenda. Could you elaborate on some of those success stories?"

Psaki's posture shifts forward, her expression becoming animated with renewed energy. This is clearly a topic she feels passionate about, and the audience leans in, sensing her authentic enthusiasm for these examples of effective resistance.

Psaki: "This is something I'm particularly passionate about right now. What we're seeing is that courage isn't just morally right—it's politically effective. Let me give you some concrete examples that we covered in that segment."

Psaki: "Senator Cory Booker spoke for 25 hours straight on the Senate floor about deportation policies and constitutional rights. That marathon speech generated national attention, shifted the conversation, and actually resulted in measurable public pressure on his colleagues."

Psaki: "Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders didn't just talk—they traveled to traditionally red states like Montana and Idaho, drawing thousands at rallies. They demonstrated that concerns about democratic norms cross ideological lines."

Psaki: "But perhaps the most striking example is Senator Chris Van Hollen, who took direct action by traveling to El Salvador. He secured a meeting with Kilmer Abrego Garcia, who had been deported without due process, proving he was alive when the administration wouldn't confirm his status. That visit forced the Salvadoran government to respond, generated headlines across the country, and completely changed the diplomatic narrative."

Dr. Bennett: "What about the polling on these issues? Trump and his advisors claim strong public support for their immigration policies."

Psaki: "That's simply not accurate when you look at the details. A YouGov poll we highlighted found that 61% of Americans oppose deporting immigrants without criminal records to places like El Salvador where they'd face imprisonment without legal appeal. Only 26% support those actions. So despite Stephen Miller's claims that this is a '90/10 issue'—the data tells a completely different story."

Psaki: "We're also seeing pushback in unexpected places. At a town hall in Iowa, constituents confronted Senator Chuck Grassley about not enforcing Supreme Court rulings related to deportations. People across the political spectrum are concerned when they see the president acting as if he's above the law."

Dr. Bennett: "You've also covered the 'No Kings' and 'Hands Off' protests. Do you think these movements are making an impact?"

Psaki: "Absolutely. These aren't just coastal events—they're happening nationwide. Tens of thousands of people are showing up to say authoritarianism won't be normalized. And we're seeing institutional resistance too. When Harvard stood firm against political pressure, they received an outpouring of support and donations. Their act of defiance exposed the White House's tactics."

Psaki: "What's becoming clear is that fear only works when people believe they're alone. When Senator Lisa Murkowski admits she feels anxious about using her voice—that's a sitting U.S. Senator expressing concern about retaliation. If she's afraid, imagine how journalists, professors, or immigrants feel. But when people stand together and refuse to be silent, that fear loses its grip."

Psaki: "The lesson I'm seeing play out in real time is that appeasement doesn't work. When institutions try to quietly compromise with authoritarian demands, it backfires. Universities, law firms, media companies—once they concede, they lose control. The demands don't stop; they escalate. But when they resist, they often find more support than they expected."

Dr. Bennett: "What's your message to people who feel powerless in the face of these challenges?"

Psaki: "Don't underestimate your voice. You don't need to be in Congress to make an impact. Every email, protest sign, donation, and public statement matters. If you see something wrong, say something—even in small ways. Courage is contagious. One person speaking out gives others permission to do the same."

Psaki: "That's why I'm highlighting these success stories on my show. It's not just to report the news—it's to demonstrate that resistance is working. It's creating momentum, changing narratives, and reminding everyone that democracy depends on how many people refuse to be silent."

Dr. Bennett: "Jen, as we wrap up, I'd like to ask one final question. What do you hope viewers—or readers of your book—take away from your work, whether at the podium, on TV, or on the page?"

Psaki takes a moment, her expression thoughtful as she considers her response to this capstone question. The audience is completely silent, waiting for her answer.

Psaki: "That clear, honest communication is not just about language—it's about respect. Whether you're talking to a voter, a student, a press corps, or your own family, how we speak to one another reflects what kind of society we want to build. That's not a partisan idea. It's a human one."

Psaki: "In this moment of national division, I hope people remember that we all have a choice about how we engage. We can retreat into comfortable bubbles, or we can step into uncomfortable conversations with courage and clarity. Democracy depends on our willingness to do the latter."

Psaki: "And on a personal note, I hope people recognize that even in our most polarized spaces, there's room for humanity, humor, and genuine connection. Some of my most meaningful professional relationships have been with reporters who asked me the toughest questions. Finding that balance—between conviction and compassion, between accountability and empathy—that's the work of a lifetime. And it's work worth doing."

Dr. Bennett: "Jen Psaki, thank you for your time, your insights, and your candor tonight."

Psaki: "Thank you, Marcus. And thanks to everyone who came with such thoughtful questions."

As the town hall concludes, Psaki stands to receive warm applause from the audience. She stays for nearly thirty minutes afterward, speaking with students, taking selfies, and engaging in one-on-one conversations with audience members who approach with follow-up questions. Her ease in this setting—neither as press secretary nor as TV host, but simply as a person in conversation—underscores her message about the importance of genuine communication in all contexts.