That Biden interview? It’s not just what was said—It’s what WASN’T.
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In the intricate dance of politics and media, the spotlight often falls on the journalists tasked with questioning our leaders.
George Stephanopoulos, a seasoned ABC News host, recently found himself at the center of a storm of controversy.
Allegations have surfaced that he concealed his true thoughts about President Joe Biden's capabilities following a critical interview, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of political journalism.
On July 5, 2024, Stephanopoulos sat down with President Biden in a high-stakes interview amidst the fervor of an election year.
In the half-hour interview between Biden and Stephanopoulos, held in the crucial swing state of Wisconsin, the 81-year-old president was asked about how he performed during the debate.
Biden's performance during a previous debate with Donald Trump had been lackluster, to put it mildly. Stumbling over words and delivering muddled responses, he seemed to struggle under the pressure.
“Look, I have a cognitive test every single day,” Biden responded when questioned about his mental sharpness.
“Every day, I’ve had tests. Everything I do. You know, not only am I campaigning, I’m running the world.” he added. "And that’s not—it sounds like hyperbole, but we are the central nation of the world.”
Stephanopoulos, in his role as interviewer, had the opportunity to press the President on these issues.
Yet, according to revelations in the book Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History, the journalist's public support for Biden did not match his private reservations.
Chris Whipple, the author of Uncharted and a former ABC producer, alleges that Stephanopoulos expressed deep concern about Biden's condition in private communications.
In earlier news: Controversy erupts with Biden’s unexpected pardons–Here’s why Americans are outraged.
He also claimed that during their unedited sit-down on July 5, 2024, Stephanopoulos questioned the president "gently, like a grandson."
“Afterward, when I asked the ABC anchor by email for his impressions, he replied: ‘Heartbreaking up close,’” Whipple recounted.
Stephanopoulos had also expressed concern earlier when approached by a passerby asking about the interview. “I don’t think he can serve four more years,” he said in a video recorded by the individual.
The veteran journalist, who has been with ABC News for nearly three decades, later issued an apology for commenting on the former president’s health.
Previously covered: Read: Joe Biden's “secret prayer” for Trump that everyone's talking about
“Earlier today, I responded to a question from a passerby. I shouldn’t have,” Stephanopoulos said.
ABC News clarified in a statement that “George expressed his own point of view and not the position of ABC News.”
Online, criticism quickly mounted, with some users accusing the anchor of misleading the public during the election season.
“The media and Democrats tried gaslighting us for 4 years that everything was fine despite what our own eyes were seeing [...] never let them forget,” one widely shared post on social media read.
Source: ABC News / Youtube.
Reflecting on the election outcome and interviews with insiders, Whipple labeled Biden’s campaign team “delusional.”
“The closest advisers to Biden believed, despite all the evidence, that Joe Biden was capable of running for reelection, of winning and of serving another four years,” he told CNN’s Laura Coates Live.
What are your thoughts on the role of journalists in political coverage? Have you ever felt misled by the way news is presented? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
George Stephanopoulos, a seasoned ABC News host, recently found himself at the center of a storm of controversy.
Allegations have surfaced that he concealed his true thoughts about President Joe Biden's capabilities following a critical interview, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of political journalism.
On July 5, 2024, Stephanopoulos sat down with President Biden in a high-stakes interview amidst the fervor of an election year.
In the half-hour interview between Biden and Stephanopoulos, held in the crucial swing state of Wisconsin, the 81-year-old president was asked about how he performed during the debate.
Biden's performance during a previous debate with Donald Trump had been lackluster, to put it mildly. Stumbling over words and delivering muddled responses, he seemed to struggle under the pressure.
“Look, I have a cognitive test every single day,” Biden responded when questioned about his mental sharpness.
ABC News host George Stephanopoulos has faced criticism for his handling of an interview with President Joe Biden and his private email comments. Image source: Inside Edition / Youtube.
“Every day, I’ve had tests. Everything I do. You know, not only am I campaigning, I’m running the world.” he added. "And that’s not—it sounds like hyperbole, but we are the central nation of the world.”
Stephanopoulos, in his role as interviewer, had the opportunity to press the President on these issues.
Stephanopoulos publicly presented support for Biden while expressing concerns in private. Image source: ABC News / Youtube.
Yet, according to revelations in the book Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History, the journalist's public support for Biden did not match his private reservations.
Chris Whipple, the author of Uncharted and a former ABC producer, alleges that Stephanopoulos expressed deep concern about Biden's condition in private communications.
In earlier news: Controversy erupts with Biden’s unexpected pardons–Here’s why Americans are outraged.
He also claimed that during their unedited sit-down on July 5, 2024, Stephanopoulos questioned the president "gently, like a grandson."
“Afterward, when I asked the ABC anchor by email for his impressions, he replied: ‘Heartbreaking up close,’” Whipple recounted.
The book Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History claims Stephanopoulos questioned Biden “gently” during their interview and divulged his true thoughts via email after the event. Image source: ABC News / Youtube.
Stephanopoulos had also expressed concern earlier when approached by a passerby asking about the interview. “I don’t think he can serve four more years,” he said in a video recorded by the individual.
The veteran journalist, who has been with ABC News for nearly three decades, later issued an apology for commenting on the former president’s health.
Previously covered: Read: Joe Biden's “secret prayer” for Trump that everyone's talking about
“Earlier today, I responded to a question from a passerby. I shouldn’t have,” Stephanopoulos said.
ABC News clarified in a statement that “George expressed his own point of view and not the position of ABC News.”
Online, criticism quickly mounted, with some users accusing the anchor of misleading the public during the election season.
“The media and Democrats tried gaslighting us for 4 years that everything was fine despite what our own eyes were seeing [...] never let them forget,” one widely shared post on social media read.
Source: ABC News / Youtube.
Reflecting on the election outcome and interviews with insiders, Whipple labeled Biden’s campaign team “delusional.”
“The closest advisers to Biden believed, despite all the evidence, that Joe Biden was capable of running for reelection, of winning and of serving another four years,” he told CNN’s Laura Coates Live.
What are your thoughts on the role of journalists in political coverage? Have you ever felt misled by the way news is presented? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
