NBC News reporter Kelly O'Donnell on Wednesday shut down a reporter who interrupted her to take a jab at President Joe Biden's age during the White House press briefing.
“You're saying that he's absolutely running,” O’Donnell said about Biden.
“Well, he's saying that, and I'm sharing with you his view,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre replied.
“And we would invite the president to come here and tell us that directly,” O’Donnell said.
“Noted, noted, noted, Kelly,” Jean-Pierre replied.
“If he's awake,” a reporter from the crowd shouted out.
“That's inappropriate,” O’Donnell responded.
“As you heard from your colleague, the president of the WHCA [White House Correspondents' Association], that's inappropriate.” Jean-Pierre said. “Thank you, Kelly.”
Biden’s poor performance in last week’s CNN debate sparked panic among many Democrats about the president’s ability to continue as the party’s nominee. Some Democrats have now called on Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race to make way for who they believe would be a stronger candidate.
Biden on Wednesday reportedly told staffers on an all-staff campaign call that he wouldn't exit the race.
“Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can and as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running. I’m the nominee of the Democratic Party. No one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end, and we’re going to win because when Democrats unite, we always win,” Biden reportedly said.
