Atlanta-based syndicated radio host Erick Erickson came to the defense of White House Press Secretary Karin Jean-Pierre Tuesday after an exchange with a reporter involving the Atlanta Braves.
The team visited the White House Monday to celebrate its 2021 World Series championship. Jean-Pierre was asked about Biden’s position on the team’s name and the fans’ celebratory “tomahawk chop” cheer.
“Her response is what Major League Baseball’s guidelines set out for teams who use names that are affiliated with Native Americans,” Erickson said. “It’s exactly what the Braves did, and I do not expect her to know that.”
Erickson was critical of Jean-Pierre for not being prepared for the question.
“But she’s also not a very bright person,” he said. “I am not surprised she wasn’t briefed.”
According to the New York Post, Jean-Pierre told reporters that the White House believes it’s important to have conversations about “Native American and indigenous voices.”
“People are fine with the tomahawk chop; only aggrieved activists have a problem with it. It’s the reporter who stirred the pot, not the press secretary. It’s the reporter who should get the blame for bringing this up,” Erickson added.
