George Stephanopoulos Gives CNN the ‘Most Important’ Question to Ask at Their Trump-Biden Debate: ‘Who Won the Last Election?’
Ahead of CNN’s presidential debate on June 27, ABC’s George Stephanopoulos told the network what he believes is the “most important” question for the candidates: Who won the 2020 election?
In a rare interview with a competing network to promote his new book, Stephanopoulos spoke with Abby Phillip on CNN NewsNight on Monday. Among the subjects he discussed was his refusal to platform those who deny the results of the 2020 election, which led to her asking about the question that needed to be posed to both presidential candidates on June 27 when CNN hosted President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump:
Phillip: [T]his seems to be, kind of, also another litmus test for how to be in MAGA World. I mean, is this the new reality for this MAGA era of politicians, that they don’t back down when they’re confronted with facts?
Stephanopoulos: Perhaps it is, but I think that poses a test for all of us in journalism as well. I’ve made it a point, if they will not accept those facts, I don’t go on to other issues. I’m not going to participate in some kind of a sham where you somehow equate the legitimacy of an election or the peaceful transfer of power with a debate over tax cuts or environmental regulation. If you can’t pass that fundamental threshold of saying, “Yes, the last election was not stolen, two, I will abide by the results of the next election,” then I think that’s all voters and viewers need to know. I don’t think if you’re willing to lie about something as big as that, why should anything else they want to talk about be given any credence?
Phillip: We’ve got a presidential debate coming up right here on CNN later this month. As a journalist, as an American, what do you think is the most important question that needs to be answered from both candidates?
Stephanopoulos: “Who won the last election?” Very simple. “Who won the last election?” Let’s discuss and debate.
Phillip noted that the same question has “been asked by Donald Trump. He refuses to answer it correctly, but we’ll see what he does when he’s given that opportunity.”
“In front of 140 million people,” Stephanopoulos added. “It’s a little different on a stage like that. And when it’s an actual debate. But it’s a real test.”
Watch above, via CNN.
