At a White House event on Monday, US President Joe Biden was captured on camera when he cursed a Fox News reporter after the journalist yelled a question about the impact of increasing prices on this year’s congressional elections.
Doocy is a White House correspondent with whom Biden frequently spars. “Do you think inflation is a political liability in the midterms?” the reporter asked the president as journalists exited the room after a White House event on Monday.
“That’s a great asset, more inflation,” Biden cynically remarked above the clamor of reporters’ inquiries. He was apparently unaware that his microphone was still on. He went on to say, “What a stupid son of a bitch.”
Consumer prices in the United States rose steadily in December. Thereby, resulting in the greatest yearly increase in inflation in nearly four decades.
“It’s nothing personal, pal”
Biden then contacted Doocy’s cell phone an hour after the exchange. He said, “It’s nothing personal, pal,” Doocy subsequently told Fox News anchor Sean Hannity.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment. But Fox News pointed Reuters to a transcript of Doocy’s Monday evening interview regarding the exchange.
Biden curses reporter- Video
When Biden took office a year ago, he promised to be tough on any member of his government who shows disrespect.
“If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot. No ifs, ands or buts,” Biden told political appointees during a virtual swearing-in ceremony. “Everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity,” he said at the time.
Doocy has likewise covered Biden for years. He is frequently summoned by the president at events, where he asks skeptical and critical questions. Fox News, which is conservative, has also been critical of Biden’s presidency and Democrats.
The remark came at the end of a meeting of the White House Competition Council when officials offered an update on efforts to battle inflation, which recently reached 7%. Biden, who was simultaneously answering questions about Ukraine’s escalating crisis, had stated that he only intended to answer questions about the council, which Doocy appeared to be covering in his inquiry. The White House has stated this month that inflation will just be a temporary issue, but several Democrats are concerned about long-term political ramifications.
