Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday sidestepped a query about whether or not former President Trump misplaced the 2020 presidential election, calling it a “gotcha game” that he wouldn’t play.
ABC’s George Stephanopoulis requested Johnson on “This Week” if he may “unequivocally” say Trump misplaced the final election.
“This is the game that is always played by mainstream media with leading Republicans. It’s a gotcha game. You want us to litigate things that happened four years ago when we’re talking about the future,” Johnson replied. “We’re not going to talk about what happened in 2020, we’re going to talk about 2024 and how we’re going to solve the problems for the American people.”
Trump’s operating mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), drew criticism for equally sidestepping a query on the controversy stage final week, declining to reply whether or not Trump misplaced in 2020 and as a substitute saying he’s “focused on the future.”
Johnson on Sunday mentioned he works with Biden “all the time,” however the query about 2020 is one thing he’s “not going to engage” with.
“Everybody needs to get over this and move forward. That’s what we need to talk about. What happens on Nov. 5 and the days after that,” Johnson mentioned.
Stephanopoulis pressed Johnson, asking if, like Vance, he wouldn’t say Trump misplaced his 2020 election towards Biden.
“Joe Biden has been the president for four years. There’s not a question about this, okay? It’s already been done and decided, and this is a gotcha game that’s played, and I’m not playing it,” Johnson mentioned.
Stephanopoulis argued that Trump refusing to simply accept the earlier election outcomes is a matter as Nov. 5 attracts close to.
“George, I’m not going to play the game. Ask me any question on any issue that’s facing the country,” Johnson redirected. “How about another hurricane headed toward the country? How about Israel being fired upon by Iran? How about the rising crimes rates that have everybody alarmed around this country and the cost of living because hardworking families can’t afford to do it?”
