WH correspondents president Karl on Biden allegations: ‘He’s going to have to answer these questions’

White House Correspondents’ Association President Jonathan Karl told Fox News on Wednesday that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is “going to have to answer these questions” regarding allegations by former staffer Tara Reade that he sexually assaulted her in 1993. 

Karl made the remarks after he was asked by Fox News‘s Ed Henry about whether there has been a double standard in terms of how the media has handled the Biden allegations versus accusations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation battle. 

“Well look, ABC News is about to post a story on allegations against Joe Biden. When I go into that briefing room I’m not asking questions of Joe Biden. If I was, it would be a different set of questions than when I’m asking questions of Donald Trump,” Karl replied.

“There is no question, Ed, that these allegations against Vice President Biden are going to have to be answered for. He’s going to have to answer these questions and I think you are seeing the story as more evidence has come forward, too. It’s being covered and in fact I think it’s on the front page of The Washington Post today,” Karl said.

Biden’s campaign has denied the claim from Reade, though the former vice president has not discussed the matter himself. He also hasn’t been asked about it in any interviews with national and local news outlets that have been published or broadcast.

Media coverage of the allegations has increased in the past week after Lynda LaCasse, a former neighbor of Reade’s, said that she recalled Reade recounting her story of the alleged assault to her in 1993.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and former Georgia state Rep. Stacey Abrams (D), who is believed to be under consideration for Biden’s running mate, have both been asked about the allegation in interviews this week. Both said they stood with Biden. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also raised the issue of a double standard between Kavanaugh and Biden this week and said all such allegations should be treated the same way.