George Stephanopoulos admitted that it is highly unlikely he will moderate a 2024 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump, as Trump is currently suing him for defamation. However, Stephanopoulos expressed interest in the role and shared that his first question to both candidates would be, “Who won the last election?” Trump continues to claim the 2020 election was stolen from him, despite no evidence to support this.
Biden and Trump have agreed to debates in June and September, with Stephanopoulos calling Biden’s choice to debate Trump an “interesting” and “bold move.” Stephanopoulos praised the conditions set for the debate, which include no audience, a studio setting, and the mic shutting off when time is up. Colbert also expressed approval of these rules, calling them a loss of power for the candidates. However, Stephanopoulos questioned whether these rules would ultimately be enforced for the debate to take place.
Stephanopoulos also discussed a new rule he has implemented when interviewing guests who support Trump’s election lies and refuse to accept the results of the 2024 vote. He emphasized that he asks three questions as a standard practice: “Do you accept the last election? Why are you endorsing someone who refuses to accept the last election? Why are you endorsing someone who’s been indicted for trying to overturn the last election?” If guests cannot answer these questions, he refuses to discuss other policy topics.
The interview with Colbert delved into the potential dynamics of a debate between Biden and Trump, with Stephanopoulos expressing interest in moderating despite the legal issues with Trump. He highlighted the importance of accountability and challenging false claims made by political figures, particularly when it comes to election integrity. Stephanopoulos emphasized the need for clear rules in debates to maintain fairness and ensure a productive exchange of ideas.
The prospect of moderating a presidential debate between Biden and Trump garnered applause from Colbert’s audience, indicating a high level of public interest in such an event. Stephanopoulos’s willingness to engage with contentious issues such as election fraud and candidate accountability demonstrates his commitment to responsible journalism and holding those in power accountable. The interview provided insights into Stephanopoulos’s approach to challenging political figures and promoting transparency in public discourse.
Overall, the discussion between Stephanopoulos and Colbert displayed a mix of humor, critical analysis, and a commitment to journalistic integrity. Stephanopoulos’s candor in addressing the challenges and potential pitfalls of moderating a debate between Biden and Trump, along with his firm stance on election integrity and accountability, underscored the importance of media responsibility in the political landscape. As debates and discussions around the 2024 presidential election continue to unfold, Stephanopoulos’s insights and approach to covering these issues serve as a guide for journalists and viewers alike.
