Karine Jean-Pierre sparks debate as she halts briefing to call out reporters for ‘personal attacks’ on Joe Biden

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: During the briefing on July 8, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre took a moment to directly address allegations that the Biden administration has been withholding information about the President’s health.

“We understand that freedom of the press, we respect the freedom of the press. You heard me talk about this last week. I appreciate the back and forth-that we all have. It is, I try to respect you and I hope you try to respect me,” Jean-Pierre stated, referencing a recent tense exchange with CBS News’ Ed O’Keefe.

Reportedly, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe clashed during a press briefing over reports that neurologist Dr Kevin Cannard visited the White House eight times in eight months, as per The New York Times.

Karine Jean-Pierre addresses allegations of withholding information on Biden's health

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to confirm whether Dr Cannard saw the president, leading to frustration for O’Keefe.

“We literally do everything that we can,” Jean-Pierre said.

She added, “My team does everything that we can to make sure we get the answers to you. That’s what we do. And sometimes we disagree. Sometimes we are not in agreement."

"But you know what? That’s democracy. That is what is important to have that healthy back and forth. And so to say that I’m holding information or allude to anything else is really, really unfair," she stated.

Jean-Pierre emphasized that the White House strives to provide accurate information during briefings, acknowledging occasional errors or gaps in information, which she promptly addresses.

She expressed dismay at the contentious behavior at the beginning of the briefing, describing it as unacceptable.

“We are seeking clarity,” said NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell. “I understand that,” Jean-Pierre replied.

“And, I think what we’re trying to say is when a name is in a public record on a waives form that it is in the public domain. The President could authorize that. His medical records or additional medical information could be made public because, he could wave HIPPA,” O’Donnell continued.

NBC's Kelly O’Donnell presses Jean-Pierre for clarity amid uncertainty

NBC's News correspondent Kelly O’Donnell clarified the reason for the probing questions, noting that there is a need for clarity on the situation due to its ambiguity.

She underscored their responsibility to report to the American people, emphasizing their right to a clear understanding.

“Personal attacks are not okay,” Jean-Pierre replied, adding, “Want to be very very clear here.”

“So the question is, one question is after, a debate that grew days and days and days of scrutiny, why hasn’t the President had an in-person physical check-in, maybe blood work, maybe other things? O’Donnell asked.

"Because when he said he was seen, I certainly thought he had been physically seen, not a phone check. So that’s part of what we’re saying about how information comes out in waves and then we may have a different impression,” O’Donnell continued.

O’Donnell clarified that there was confusion about whether the neurologist had physically seen the president or just conducted a phone check, highlighting how information can lead to different impressions as it is released gradually.

O’Donnell highlighted that the issue of the neurologist's visits has been a prominent focus for the past ten days. She advocated for transparency, proposing that President Biden could undergo any medical examination, even if kept private.

O'Donnell clarified that their concern is solely about understanding the president's health status, not about other personnel. She emphasized the necessity of obtaining more information regarding the neurologist's visits and interactions with the president's physician at the White House residence clinic.

Referring to a Parkinsons’s specialist who visited the White House, Jean-Pierre concluded, “And I understand that, Kelly, and, you know, I respect you wholeheartedly, and I’ve known you for some time. We want to be also because we are particular, we are talking about someone whose name is out there, and I understand, I get it, it’s in the log. I get that it’s in the log." 

Internet divided over Karine Jean-Pierre’s briefing interruption

Social media was abuzz with opinions after Jean-Pierre halted the briefing to address reporters' "attacks" on the White House.

One viewer expressed, "His party is losing bad here so he needs a distraction. Its pathetic." [sic]

Another viewer shared, "You LOST ALL CREDBITILITY by LYING FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS about Biden's dementia. Actions have consequences." [sic]

One viewer pointed out, "The White House is a mess."

A follower observed, "The self important WH reporters always fighting for their 30 seconds on the nightly news." [sic]

One comment stated, "The hits just keep on coming."

Another comment read, "This is just a small taste of what Republicans face every minute of every day."

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