An exchange over whether President Joe Biden is soon to — or already has — made a decision regarding his candidacy left the internet thinking the discussion looked more like a "Saturday Night Live" skit than a real debate.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) appeared on CNN's "The Situation Room" and the discussion in question came during a grilling from anchor Erin Burnett.
"So, do you think this is building again? Do you think this is going to change the outcome?" Burnett asked Wednesday, before news broke that Biden contracted COVID-19.
Booker tried to sidestep the question.
"I think the president has shown extraordinary leadership over his 50-year career and he's facing a real question of what is best for the country. And I think he'll make that decision," said Booker.
He added that a lot of Democrats are "doing what we can behind the scenes" to talk "openly and honestly" with the Biden camp about the best path forward.
"We had private meetings in D.C. all last week — I don't want to have this conversation in public. I just think that that's not wise right now as Republicans have their convention."
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Burnett pushed back on Booker though, noting that Biden has, in fact, insisted — repeatedly — he's staying in the race.
"You said, 'a decision to be made' — he's made a decision! He tells us every day he made a decision, yet we keep hearing from senior members of your party, like yourself, that he'll make a decision," Burnett fires back.
She added, "I understand this is a bit of rhetoric, but it seems like you and others want him to get out."
Booker bent, slightly, saying the Democrats have a "great party with good party rules."
"Right now he is the presumptive nominee," said Booker. "There is a process going forward when he will be the nominee. That process gives him a lot of chance to evaluate things, look at facts and make the decisions about what's best for the country."
The exchange left was mocked on the internet, with AL.com columnist Kyle Whitmire remarking, "If SNL weren’t on summer break, this would be a skit."
"Infuriating," wrote @thenewonewpower.
"So if he’s made that decision why do they keep asking folks about it???" asked @Loliz.
"Translation here is: He's on his way out, we're just figuring out behind the scenes the least chaotic way to do it. It's politics, he's being about as clear as he can at this moment," wrote @dire_wombat.
"I keep saying all of them are compromised by being blackmailed or by big donors. It’s truly disappointing. Idk why would they ruin their reputation like this when the voters have made our choice," said @ladyrae47.
Watch the clip below or at this link.
Cory Booker and Erin Burnett weigh on Biden's big decision www.youtube.com
