Former ESPN Anchor Sage Steele Accuses Biden Interview of Being Scripted

Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor, has accused a recent interview with President Joe Biden of being scripted. In a series of tweets, Steele expressed her skepticism about the authenticity of the interview, suggesting that the questions and answers were pre-arranged.

The interview in question was conducted by ESPN's Sage Steele herself in 2021, during Biden's first year in office. At the time, the interview was seen as a significant opportunity for the president to connect with sports fans and discuss his administration's priorities.

However, Steele now claims that the interview was not as spontaneous as it appeared. "I was told to ask specific questions and stick to a script," she tweeted. "It felt more like a staged PR event than a genuine conversation."

Steele's accusations have sparked a debate about the nature of presidential interviews and the role of journalists in holding elected officials accountable. Some have praised Steele for speaking out and shedding light on what they see as a troubling trend of scripted interactions between the media and politicians.

Others, however, have questioned Steele's motives and timing. They point out that she left ESPN in 2022 under controversial circumstances, after making comments that were critical of the network's diversity and inclusion efforts. Some have suggested that her accusations against Biden may be an attempt to gain attention or settle scores with her former employer.

The White House has not yet responded to Steele's allegations. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment on the matter during a recent briefing, stating that she had not seen Steele's tweets and could not speak to the specifics of the 2021 interview.

Why this matters: The accusations made by Sage Steele raise questions about the transparency and authenticity of presidential interviews. If true, they suggest that the public may not be getting an unfiltered view of the president's thoughts and policies.

Key Takeaways

• Sage Steele accused Biden interview of being scripted, not spontaneous.
• Steele claims she was told to ask specific questions and stick to a script.
• Controversy sparks debate on transparency and authenticity of presidential interviews.
• White House has not responded, and Steele's motives have been questioned.
• Incident highlights complex media-White House relationship and challenges for journalists.