While Biden has agreed to debate Trump, his preference for controlled interviews with friendly hosts raises concerns about his willingness to face tough questions. Experts discuss the strategic advantages and risks of this approach as the election draws near.
Joe Biden's recent interview with Howard Stern has sparked a debate about the President's willingness to engage in rigorous public discourse. While Biden has agreed to debate former President Donald Trump at some point, his preference for handpicked interviews with friendly hosts has raised concerns.
During the Stern interview, Biden faced no challenging questions and was instead praised for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the fact that it was Trump who oversaw the initial vaccine rollout. Biden also made several unsubstantiated claims, including that he was once arrested while protesting with Black families as a youth.
Critics argue that Biden's avoidance of solo press conferences and tough interviews reflects a desire to shield himself from accountability. They point to his lack of engagement with the media since taking office, with only a handful of extended interviews granted.
This approach contrasts with Trump's willingness to face tough questions, even from hostile reporters. However, Biden's supporters argue that the President's focus on handpicked interviews allows him to connect with voters on a more personal level and avoid distractions.
According to a recent Axios article, Biden's team believes that shielding him from the spotlight works in his favor. They believe that the President comes across as more relatable and sympathetic in controlled interviews where he can avoid gaffes and confrontational questions.
Experts in political communication agree that both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. While interviews with friendly hosts can bolster a candidate's image and provide an opportunity to control the narrative, debates and press conferences offer a more rigorous test of a candidate's ability to withstand scrutiny and defend their policies.
The upcoming debate between Biden and Trump is expected to be one of the most watched in history. However, many observers are concerned that Biden's lack of exposure to tough questions will put him at a disadvantage when facing Trump, who is known for his aggressive debating style.
As the election draws near, Biden will likely continue to limit his media interactions to controlled interviews with friendly hosts. However, this approach may not be sustainable in the long run, and he may eventually need to face tougher questions if he wants to maintain public trust and credibility.
