ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos has found himself in the spotlight following comments he made regarding President Biden’s reelection campaign. Stephanopoulos issued a short apology, stating, “Earlier today I responded to a question from a passerby. I shouldn’t have,” according to a statement provided to The Wrap.
ABC News also released a statement clarifying, “George expressed his own point of view and not the position of ABC News.” This response came after Stephanopoulos, not realizing he was being recorded, told an unidentified pedestrian in New York City, “I don’t think [Biden] can serve four more years.”
#GeorgeStephanopoulos just made a STUNNING comment: he told someone on the streets of #NewYork that he doesn't think President #JoeBiden can serve another term! https://t.co/cFMK2Uxx4z pic.twitter.com/pxKkolFcGt
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 9, 2024
What a fine example showing the media doesn’t believe what they are claiming.
This incident occurred after Stephanopoulos’ exclusive interview with President Biden aired as a primetime special, which drew 8.5 million viewers. This interview was Biden’s first since a challenging debate performance on June 27, leading Stephanopoulos to question the president about his age and capability.
President Biden has faced pressure from some members of his party to step aside but has affirmed his commitment to remain the nominee. In a statement posted to social media on Monday, Biden addressed these concerns, saying, “I have heard the concerns that people have — their good faith fears and worries about what is at stake in this election. I am not blind to them. Believe me. I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper weighed in on the situation, calling the interview a disaster. He referenced a quote from a live interview Biden gave to MSNBC’s Morning Joe earlier on Monday, where the president attempted to address concerns about his age, saying, “The fact of the matter is how can you assure you’re going to be out on, you know, on your way to go, you know, work tomorrow age, age wasn’t, you know, the idea that I’m too old.”
Tapper added, “Keep in mind that soundbite is supposed to be reassuring to those Democratic supporters… many Democratic officials with whom I have spoken are worried that President Biden and his family and his inner circle appear to be in complete denial not just about whatever might be wrong with him but the state of his candidacy right now.”
CNN’s @jaketapper reads an incoherent Biden quote from Morning Joe word-for-word: “That sound bite is supposed to be reassuring” pic.twitter.com/friVDsJis9
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) July 8, 2024
