Jen Psaki defends Biden 'Neanderthal' reopening quip targeting Texas and Mississippi

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Biden’s “neanderthal thinking” quip about states removing their mask mandates was an expression of his “frustration and exasperation.” 

A reporter in the briefing room noted that Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves "took offense" to Biden's 'Neanderthal’ remark. "Mississippians don’t need handlers," he wrote on Twitter in response.   "How does comparing someone to a Neanderthal convince them to change course?" the reporter asked Psaki.  "The behavior of a Neanderthal, just to be very clear. The behavior of," Psaki emphasized. She said his remarks were "a reflection of his frustration and exasperation."