A top executive at ABC News was reportedly furious after learning that the network’s chief anchor George Stephanopoulos, a former Democratic operative, had used his flagship morning show to offer critical commentary about President Biden.
During the confrontation with ABC news division head Debra O’Connell, Stephanopoulos was reminded by the exec that he “is a journalist and should act like one,” via Radar Online. The reminder was made following the release of a video that shows former Bill Clinton adviser telling someone in New York City, “I don’t think [Biden] can serve four more years.”
The unguarded moment caught on camera quickly became the subject of an internal meeting at ABC, which was prompted to banter over TMZ’s report. Therefore, O’Connell asked “Good Morning America” and “This Week” anchor to apologize for his comment on the air, which he did.
The clip, obtained by TMZ, shows Stephanopoulos telling a man on the street in Manhattan: “I don’t think can serve four more years.” In his apology, the anchor said, “Earlier today I responded to a question from a passerby. I shouldn’t have.”
ABC News also offered a statement in response to the outlet, which said: “George expressed his own point of view and not the position of ABC News.”
The 81-year-old president’s interview with Stephanopoulos, which was watched by an estimated 8.5 million Americans last week, came days before the host voiced his skepticism. During the interview, Biden was asked about his disastrous debate against former President Trump and future politics amid polls.
Biden was pressed Monday night by Stephanopoulos about his debate performance as well and whether it should factor into the decision-making process of Democrats worried that a very recent gaffe-prone president may not have what he needs to survive an election against Trump. 10 sitting congressional Democratic lawmakers, for example, called on him to drop out following Tuesday’s lackluster face-off.
