White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed surprise when Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason brought up Jon Stewart’s recent criticism of President Joe Biden during Tuesday’s press briefing. Stewart, who returned to host Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” after a hiatus, had slammed both Biden and former President Donald Trump over their ages and discussed the controversial report by special counsel Robert Hur on Biden’s handling of sensitive documents.
Mason playfully began with a “jokey” question about whether President Biden is a fan of “The Daily Show.” Jean-Pierre, taken aback by the unexpected inquiry, responded that she would have to ask the president. Mason then inquired if Biden had watched Jon Stewart’s show the previous night.
Amid laughter, Mason revealed that Stewart had been critical of both President Biden and the former president. Jean-Pierre, surprised by the information, sought clarification on whether Stewart’s criticism was directed at President Biden. Mason confirmed that Stewart had indeed criticized both presidents.
In response to Mason’s follow-up question, delivered in a light-hearted manner, Jean-Pierre navigated the jokey tone, expressing understanding of the situation. Mason asked whether the White House believed it made the right decision by having President Biden hold a press conference on Thursday night, given Stewart’s critiques.
The exchange highlighted the unexpected turn of events during the press briefing and showcased Jean-Pierre’s candid reaction to learning about Jon Stewart’s on-air criticism of President Biden.
JEFF MASON: Is the president A Fan Of The Daily Show?
Oh! (taken aback) I was not expecting that. I. I would have to ask him.
JEFF MASON: Did he watch Jon Stewart last night?
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: (laughs) Sounds like you did, Jeff. Was it good?
JEFF MASON: He was pretty critical of the president. Oh, really? The former president. And I guess my question was.
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: He said this about President Biden?
JEFF MASON: He was critical of both.
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Oh, you said as long as well as the former, I. Gotcha, gotcha, gotcha.
JEFF MASON: Just. And so my kind of follow up to that more jokey question is just does the White House feel like it made the right decision, putting President Biden out on Thursday night and to have the press conference that he did?
