Milwaukee radio station says it edited Biden interview at campaign's request
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Joe Biden delivers remarks during the NATO 75th anniversary celebratory event on July 9. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
A Milwaukee radio station admitted Thursday that it had edited portions of an interview it had done with President Biden last week at the request of his campaign.
Why it matters: Biden's disastrous debate performance last month has reignited worries about his age and brought fresh scrutiny to his public appearances and interviews.
- "With a high-profile interview comes a listener expectation that journalistic interview standards will be applied ... We did not meet those expectations," Civic Media said in a statement Thursday.
State of play: Biden recorded the interview with Civic Media on July 3 and it aired on radio stations across Wisconsin the next day, the radio station said.
- Civic Media said it was alerted on July 8 that "immediately after the phone interview was recorded, the Biden campaign called and asked for two edits to the recording before it aired."
- An investigation into the incident revealed that the production team had viewed the changes as "non-substantive" and allowed the interview to air with two clips removed.
- "Given the gravity of the current political moment, the stakes in this election, and the importance of public scrutiny of public officials in the highest office, we believe it is important to share this information," Civic Media said.
Zoom in: The first portion cut was a clip wherein Biden said he has "more Blacks in my administration than any other president, all other presidents combined, and in major positions, Cabinet positions."
- The second cut was in reference to former President Trump's call for the Central Park Five to receive the death penalty.
- "I don't know if they even call for their hanging or not, but he–but they said […] convicted of murder," Biden said.
What they're saying: "Hosts have always been free to ask the questions and air the segments they think will best inform their listeners," a Biden campaign spokesperson told Axios.
Flashback: Another of Biden's post-debate interviews raised eyebrows last week after the radio show admitted that it had used questions the Biden campaign provided.
The big picture: Biden's debate performance has spurred calls from some Democratic lawmakers for him to step aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
- Biden has insisted he is staying in the race even though his media appearances since the debate have failed to quell concerns.
- In addition to concerned lawmakers and staff, Biden is also contending with donors who question his fitness for office and ability to beat Trump in November.
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