President Joe Biden is set to give his first television interview since last week’s presidential debate, which has sparked significant controversy and calls for him to drop out of the race. The interview will be conducted by George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and will air in segments starting Friday, July 5, on “World News Tonight with David Muir.” Additional portions will be broadcast over the weekend on “Good Morning America,” with the extended interview airing on “This Week” on Sunday, July 7, and “Good Morning America” on Monday, July 8.
Biden’s performance in the debate has been widely criticized, leading to calls from both Democrats and Republicans for him to reconsider his candidacy. Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett became the first House Democrat to publicly urge Biden to withdraw from the race. Despite this, many Democrats continue to support Biden, emphasizing his experience and strategic thinking. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledged Biden’s poor debate performance but defended his overall capabilities. Similarly, Democratic Senator Bob Casey expressed confidence in Biden’s ability to run a strong reelection campaign and serve a second term.
The upcoming interview with Stephanopoulos is seen as a crucial opportunity for Biden to address the concerns raised by his debate performance. Stephanopoulos has previously interviewed Biden during challenging times, such as the tumultuous U.S. exit from Afghanistan in 2021. The interview comes at a time when Biden’s campaign is under intense scrutiny, with some donors expressing frustration over his recent public appearances.
In the days following the debate, Biden has made several public appearances but has largely avoided taking questions from the media. He recently returned to the White House after a stay at Camp David and delivered a statement on the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity. However, he did not take questions from reporters during this appearance.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that Biden will hold a press conference during the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C., from July 9-11. This will be an opportunity for Biden to address multiple reporters and potentially mitigate some of the concerns about his campaign.
Biden’s reliance on a Teleprompter during public appearances has also been a point of contention. Critics argue that it raises questions about his ability to engage spontaneously, while supporters believe it helps him deliver clear and coherent messages. The upcoming interview with Stephanopoulos will not be live, which has led to further speculation about Biden’s ability to handle unscripted situations.
In response to the debate fallout, Biden’s campaign has been working to reassure donors and supporters. Top staffers like Jennifer O’Malley Dillon have been holding conference calls and Zoom meetings to address concerns and provide updates. However, the lack of direct communication from Biden himself has caused anxiety among some of his supporters.
Despite the criticism, Biden’s team remains optimistic about his chances in the upcoming election. They argue that his experience and judgment make him the best candidate to lead the country. Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden’s age brings wisdom and experience, and she dismissed concerns about his health, stating that he is not in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia.
The choice of ABC News for this interview follows Biden’s last major sit-down interview with the same network. He spoke with David Muir at the Normandy anniversary celebration last month. The upcoming interview with Stephanopoulos is expected to be a pivotal moment for Biden as he seeks to regain momentum and address the concerns raised by his debate performance.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Biden’s ability to effectively communicate his vision and address the challenges facing his campaign will be critical. The interview with Stephanopoulos will provide a platform for Biden to articulate his plans and reassure voters of his capability to lead the country.
Source: ABC News, MSNBC
