Jean-Pierre and Doocy Clash Over Alleged ‘Coverup’ of Biden’s Health
(Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had a heated exchange with Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy over allegations of a “coverup” regarding President Joe Biden’s health before he stepped down as a candidate.
During Wednesday’s White House briefing, Jean-Pierre mentioned that the president had recently returned to Washington, D.C. after recovering from COVID-19. “It would seem that people in this White House knew that President Biden was slipping,” Doocy claimed. “And it was hidden from the American people.”
“So, who ordered White House officials to cover up a declining president?” he pressed. “I know that that is a narrative that you love,” Jean-Pierre responded before Doocy interrupted her. “No, no, no, no, wait, hold on,” she said. “He did a press conference at NATO.” “And then ten days later, I’m dropping out,” Doocy quipped.
“First of all, there’s been no coverup,” Jean-Pierre insisted. “I want to be very clear about that. I know that’s the narrative that you all want.” Doocy interjected again: “I’ve been with President Biden for five years.” “Are you going to let me answer the question?” Jean-Pierre asked. “Would you at least admit that the debate was not just a bad one?” Doocy chided.
“I know that is the narrative that you all want,” the press secretary reiterated. “I’m going to say this again, and you’re going to hear directly from the president. I hope you listen tonight.” “What I will say is that it is not easy making a decision that the president made on Sunday,” she continued. “And so the fact that he was able to make that decision in a selfless way, that’s admirable.”
Doocy was given the opportunity to ask one more question. “I get that you don’t probably want to give us a specific name, but were there any names that came forward that surprised you of Democratic officials in the last week who stabbed President Biden in the back?” he asked. “I don’t have anything else to say,” Jean-Pierre concluded.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the White House and certain media outlets over President Biden’s health and the circumstances surrounding his decision to step down from the presidential race. Jean-Pierre’s firm denial of any coverup and her emphasis on Biden’s recent public appearances aimed to dispel the narrative of concealment, while Doocy’s persistent questioning reflects the skepticism and scrutiny from some corners of the media.
