President Joe Biden is currently facing a tough battle against Donald Trump as the 2024 presidential election approaches. One of the key concerns on voters’ minds is Biden’s age and recent mix-ups during speeches, which were highlighted during a recent appearance in Michigan.
During a campaign event in Michigan, Biden was heard asking his staff for permission to take questions from the audience. “Can I take a couple of questions?” Biden asked, as reported by the New York Post. His staff replied, “Yeah, we’re going to take a few questions,” prompting other staff members to quickly usher press members away from the conversation.
This incident follows a similar event in New Hampshire where Biden was also heard asking his team if he was allowed to take any questions. The press was thanked by Biden’s staff, and camera feeds covering the event were cut out.
Biden’s limited interactions with the press have raised concerns about transparency and accessibility. Reports indicate that he has held the lowest number of press conferences and interviews since becoming president in the modern era. While some speculate that this may be a strategic move by his team, others believe that Biden should be allowed to engage more freely with journalists.
Former White House Foreign Press Group president Kethevane Gorjestani suggested that Biden’s staff should allow him to be more unscripted and spontaneous, as he tends to perform better in those situations. Gorjestani noted that Biden has thrived in unscripted moments, such as during the State of the Union address when he responded to heckling from Republicans.
While there are risks associated with unscripted interactions, Gorjestani believes that Biden is more than capable of handling antagonistic questions and criticism. She pointed out that Biden’s counterpart, Donald Trump, has also made mix-ups during speeches but has not shied away from addressing the media.
As the 2024 election heats up, Biden’s ability to connect with voters and address concerns about his age and mental acuity will be crucial. Whether his team will adopt a new approach to media interactions remains to be seen, but it is clear that Biden’s performance in unscripted moments could play a significant role in shaping public perception of his candidacy.
