Biden Defends 'Bloodbath' Comment as Press Secretary Calls Fox Reporter's Question 'Disingenuous'

Biden's visit to Philly sparks tense exchange with Fox News' Doocy over "bloodbath" rhetoric, highlighting White House-media tensions ahead of 2024 election.

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Shivani Chauhan
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Biden Defends 'Bloodbath' Comment as Press Secretary Calls Fox Reporter's Question 'Disingenuous'

Biden Defends 'Bloodbath' Comment as Press Secretary Calls Fox Reporter's Question 'Disingenuous'

President Joe Biden's recent visit to Philadelphia took a contentious turn when Fox News reporter Peter Doocy questioned him about his past "negative bloodbath" comment regarding the 2020 Democratic primary. Doocy compared Biden's remark to former President Donald Trump's recent "bloodbath" rhetoric, prompting a sharp response from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who called Doocy's question "disingenuous."

During his Philadelphia trip, Biden accepted the endorsement of members of the Kennedy family and took aim at Trump's rhetoric. He specifically called out Trump's "vision of anger, hate, revenge and retribution" and his embrace of the January 6th insurrectionists. Biden also accused Trump of "calling for another bloodbath when he loses again."

The President's remarks came after a controversial visit to Sheetz and a stop at Wawa earlier in the day. Outside the event venue, about two dozen protesters referred to Biden as "Genocide Joe," expressing their discontent with his presidency.

Why this matters: The exchange between Biden and Doocy highlights the ongoing tension between the White House and certain media outlets, particularly Fox News. It also underscores the stark differences in rhetoric and approach between the current and former presidents, as the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential election.

When pressed about his own past "bloodbath" comment, Biden defended his statement, arguing that the context and intent were different from Trump's recent rhetoric. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre backed up the President, asserting that Doocy's comparison was "disingenuous" and failed to consider the full context of Biden's remark. The heated exchange served as a reminder of the deep political divisions and the challenges of navigating a polarized media landscape in the lead-up to a crucial election year.

Key Takeaways

  • Biden's Philadelphia visit saw clash with Fox News' Doocy over "bloodbath" remarks.
  • Biden endorsed by Kennedy family, criticized Trump's "anger, hate, revenge" rhetoric.
  • Biden accused Trump of calling for "another bloodbath" if he loses again.
  • White House defended Biden's "bloodbath" comment, called Doocy's comparison "disingenuous".
  • Incident highlights ongoing tensions between White House and certain media outlets.