'Inappropriate': Press sec, WHCA scold reporter for saying Biden can talk to media 'if he’s awake'
Both White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and the president of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) chided a reporter for an outburst during a Wednesday press conference.
Kelly O'Donnell — the senior White House correspondent for NBC News — was in the middle of asking Jean-Pierre a question on President Joe Biden's willingness to speak directly with reporters about whether he planned to stay in the 2024 race. After Jean-Pierre said, "noted" in response to O'Donnell's invitation for a direct Q&A with Biden, one reporter was heard uttering "if he's awake."
At that point, O'Donnell held up her index finger and said, "that's inappropriate."
READ MORE: Biden dropped one point in polls since debate — but needs to get in front of public: journalist
"As you heard from your colleague, the president of the WHCA, that's inappropriate," Jean-Pierre said. "Thank you, Kelly."
It is not yet known who the reporter was who made the remark about Biden, or if the WHCA will issue a separate statement reprimanding him.
Watch a video of the exchange below, or by clicking this link.
