News Anchor George Stephanopoulos Questions Joe Biden’s Ability to Complete a Second Term

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/10th July 2024

On Tuesday, July 9, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos expressed doubts about President Joe Biden’s ability to complete a second term. This statement came just days after Stephanopoulos interviewed Biden following a presidential debate where Biden’s performance against Donald Trump was heavily criticized.

TMZ captured Stephanopoulos responding to a passerby’s question about Biden’s political future in Midtown Manhattan. The passerby asked, “Do you think Biden should step down? You’ve talked to him more than anybody else has lately.” After a brief pause, Stephanopoulos replied, “I don’t think he can serve four more years.”

The passerby reiterated the question, to which Stephanopoulos confirmed his stance, sparking a flurry of reactions. However, shortly after the video surfaced, Stephanopoulos expressed regret over his comment. In a statement to Puck News, he said, “Earlier today I responded to a question from a passerby. I shouldn’t have.”

ABC News also clarified that Stephanopoulos’s remark was his personal opinion and did not reflect the network’s position. This incident comes amid growing concerns about Biden’s fitness for office, highlighted by his debate performance and subsequent interview with Stephanopoulos.

During the interview, Biden struggled to alleviate worries about his cognitive abilities. When asked about his frequent errors, Biden dismissed them as a “bad episode.” He also claimed to undergo cognitive tests daily, stating, “Look, I have a cognitive test every single day. Every day, I’ve had tests. Everything I do. You know, not only am I campaigning, I’m running the world. And that’s not — it sounds like hyperbole, but we are the central nation of the world.”

Addressing calls for him to drop out of the race, Biden remarked, “If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race, but the Lord Almighty’s not coming down.”

Biden’s remarks and performance have raised questions about his capability to handle the demands of the presidency, especially in a second term. Critics argue that his frequent gaffes and perceived lack of cognitive sharpness are cause for concern. Supporters, however, maintain that Biden’s experience and policies are what the country needs.

Stephanopoulos’s candid comment adds fuel to an already heated debate about Biden’s fitness for office. As a prominent news anchor and political commentator, his opinion carries weight and can influence public perception. However, his subsequent regret highlights the delicate nature of publicly discussing a sitting president’s health and capabilities.

The controversy surrounding Biden’s cognitive fitness is not new. Throughout his presidency, there have been numerous instances where Biden’s verbal slips and moments of apparent confusion have been scrutinized. While some attribute these to his age, others see them as part of a broader issue that could impact his effectiveness as president.

As the 2024 election approaches, these concerns will likely become more pronounced. Biden’s ability to campaign effectively and govern efficiently will be under intense scrutiny. The president’s supporters will need to emphasize his accomplishments and policy successes to counteract the narrative of cognitive decline.