WURD Radio has severed ties with host Andrea Lawful-Sanders following her admission of using pre-supplied questions from President Biden’s team. Lawful-Sanders, who previously hosted “The Source” on WURD 96.1 FM, conducted the first post-debate interview with Biden last Wednesday.
During an appearance on CNN’s “First of All with Victor Blackwell” on Saturday, Lawful-Sanders disclosed that she received eight questions from Biden’s team and utilized four of them during the interview.
WURD Radio’s president and CEO, Sara Lomax, confirmed on Sunday that she was not involved in the interview negotiations. Lomax emphasized the station’s commitment to independence, stating, “The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners. As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.”
WURD, the only Black-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, values its independence and the trust of its audience. “Agreeing to a pre-determined set of questions jeopardizes that trust,” Lomax added. She also highlighted the ongoing issue of de-legitimizing Black voices and asserted, “WURD Radio is not a mouthpiece for the Biden or any other administration.”
House Democrats Urge Biden to End Reelection Bid
In related news, four senior House Democrats have called for President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid after a private call with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Sunday. Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), and Mark Takano (D-Calif.) urged Biden to step aside for the 2024 Presidential race, according to multiple reports.
Despite the prepared questions, Biden stumbled during the interview, notably claiming to be “the first black woman to serve with a black president.”
Following Lawful-Sanders’ disclosure, WMCS host Earl Ingram also revealed that he was given questions in advance for his interview with Biden and chose to use them. The Biden-Harris campaign has maintained that the White House did not manage the interview process, stating, “While interview hosts have always been free to ask whatever questions they please, moving forward we will refrain from offering suggested questions.”
Biden, 81, has faced increased scrutiny following a lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump, raising concerns among Democrats about his fitness for office. The recent call from Nadler, Morelle, Smith, and Takano adds to a growing list of House Democrats questioning Biden’s reelection prospects after his first debate against Trump.