(Image via Screenshot)
President Obama told the media during Friday’s White House press briefing that what information they choose to provide the American people plays a significant role in shaping voters' opinions of the 2016 presidential candidates.
"What I'm concerned about is the degree to which reporting and information starts emphasizing the spectacle of the circus because that's not something we can afford," said Obama. "And the American people, they've got good judgment, they have good instincts, as long as they as have good information."
The President added that the race for the White House “is not entertainment” and that holding the Oval Office “is a really serious job.”
"But most importantly – and I speak to all of you in this room as reporters and the American public – I just want to emphasize that the degree of which we are in serious times, and this is a really serious job,” he said. “This is not entertainment. This is not a reality show. This is a contest for the presidency of the United States."
“What that means is that every candidate – every nominee – needs to be subject to exacting standards, genuine scrutiny,” he argued.
The President urged the media and the American people to examine GOP presidential candidate and real estate mogul Donald Trump’s record especially.
"He has a long record that needs to be examined," said Obama. "I think it's important for us to take seriously the statements he's made in the past.”
Listen to his remarks in the video clip below.