A chance encounter on the streets of New York on Tuesday revealed ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos' candid opinion on President Joe Biden's ability to serve another full term, if he is reelected.
During a casual exchange, an unidentified pedestrian with a smartphone asked Stephanopoulos a pointed question: “Do you think Biden should step down? You've talked to him more than anybody else has lately.”
In a moment of candor, Stephanopoulos replied, “I don't think he can serve four more years.”
Implications of the Statement
The admission is particularly noteworthy, given Stephanopoulos' deep connections within the Democratic Party and his role in the media.
He also conducted Biden's first post-debate interview after the president's disastrous performance.
Apology and Clarification
Stephanopoulos issued a brief apology late Tuesday – without suggesting his opinion changed: “Earlier today I responded to a passerby. I shouldn't have.”
Fox News reported that ABC News also released a statement clarifying that Stephanopoulos' comments reflected his personal views and not the network's:
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates pointed Fox News Digital to comments made at Tuesday's press briefing by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who told Fox News' Peter Doocy that the president is committed to serving a full second term in office. The Biden campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Biden would be 86 at the conclusion of a second term if he's re-elected.
ABC's swift clampdown on the Stephanopoulos bombshell did not occur in a vacuum. The Disney-owned network has already landed the second presidential debate scheduled between Biden and former President Trump on Sept. 10.
The debate will be moderated by ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis, although it's anyone's guess if it will proceed as planned. Biden's halting, frail showing last month could cause handlers to keep him out of the spotlight as much as possible, while Trump, currently enjoying a polling lead, may not want to risk giving Biden momentum.
Stephanopoulos' Political Past
George Stephanopoulos first gained prominence as the communications director for Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. He subsequently served in the Clinton administration as the White House communications director.
The Paula Jones Controversy
In 1994, Stephanopoulos, alongside James Carville, was involved in efforts to discredit Paula Jones, who accused President Clinton of sexual harassment. They suggested that Jones was motivated by financial gain. Stephanopoulos also took active steps to prevent Jones' press conference from being televised, personally contacting major news executives to ensure it stayed off the air.
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