Biden sticks to his decision: Skips traditional Super Bowl sit-down again
President Joe Biden Declines Pre-Super Bowl Interview for Second Year in a Row
President Joe Biden has decided to skip the traditional pre-Super Bowl interview for the second consecutive year, according to reports.
Entertainment site Variety confirmed that CBS News, after negotiations with the White House, announced President Biden’s absence from the pre-game sit-down interview ahead of Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024.
Variety’s Brian Steinberg broke the news, stating, “President Biden has declined to take part in a pre-game Super Bowl interview, CBS News confirms, marking the second consecutive year he has chosen to do so — even though the conversation might reach millions in an election year…”
Scoop: President Biden has declined to take part in a pre-game Super Bowl interview, CBS News confirms, marking the second consecutive year he has chosen to do — even though the conversation might reach millions in an election year….https://t.co/S0Db2e58ha
— Brian Steinberg (@bristei) February 3, 2024
The traditional interview was expected to be a brief 15-minute segment, with only a portion of it airing during CBS’ pre-game coverage.
When asked about President Biden’s absence, White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt simply stated, “We hope viewers enjoy watching what they tuned in for — the game.”
While some people welcomed the break from politics during the pre-game show, critics pointed out that the optics of Biden not participating in such a visible interview, which would likely reach millions of voters in an election year, are not favorable.
“The country’s on fire! Everyone, down to the basement!” exclaimed Tammy Bruce.
The country’s on fire! Everyone, down to the basement! “White House turns down CBS interview request for a Super Bowl interview with President Biden” https://t.co/mDD6T0v5FH
— Tammy Bruce (@HeyTammyBruce) February 3, 2024
“Biden hasn’t done a serious news interview since mid-October on ’60 Minutes,'” noted Fox News media reporter Joseph Wulfsohn. “In the meantime, he’s given interviews to others like Conan O’Brien and Ryan Seacrest.”
Biden hasn’t done a serious news interview since mid-October on “60 Minutes.”
In the meantime, he’s given interviews to others like Conan O’Brien and Ryan Seacrest. https://t.co/pELj3mp0aG
— Joseph A. Wulfsohn (@JosephWulfsohn) February 3, 2024
“This is an admission by his handlers that Joe Biden can’t sit down for a softball interview for a football game,” added Steve Guest.
This is an admission by his handlers that
Joe Biden can’t sit down for a softball interview for a football game. https://t.co/KHANtdjjXU— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) February 3, 2024
“Not talking to CBS, and reaching a larger audience of persuadable voters than he’ll get for State of the Union, is political malpractice in an election year,” commented The Washington Post’s James Hohmann. “Turning down many millions in earned media.”
Biden Refuses Super Bowl Interview for Second Year.
Not talking to CBS, and reaching a larger audience of persuadable voters than he’ll get for State of the Union, is political malpractice in an election year.
Turning down many millions in earned media. https://t.co/pcJdItZGzi
— James Hohmann (@jameshohmann) February 3, 2024
Why did President Biden decline the pre-Super Bowl interview for the second consecutive year?
Ke Ellen DeGeneres and late-night talk shows. It’s clear where his priorities lie.”
The decision to decline the pre-Super Bowl interview comes amid growing concerns about transparency and accessibility within the Biden administration. Critics argue that it is essential for the President to address the American people directly, especially during a time of such political and social turmoil.
President Biden’s absence also raises questions about his approach to media and the role of the press in holding him accountable. Some argue that by avoiding tough interviews, Biden is avoiding difficult questions and shielding himself from scrutiny.
The pre-Super Bowl interview has been a longstanding tradition for US presidents, offering them a unique platform to reach millions of viewers. Previous presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump, embraced this opportunity to connect with Americans and discuss important issues.
While it is unclear why President Biden has declined the interview for the second consecutive year, it is worth noting that his predecessor, Donald Trump, also broke with tradition in his final year in office by refusing to participate in the pre-Super Bowl interview.
Despite the criticism and concerns surrounding President Biden’s decision, it is ultimately up to him to decide which interviews he participates in. The President has a right to prioritize his time and focus on the issues he deems most important.
However, the decision does raise questions about the administration’s commitment to transparency and engagement with the American people. With the ever-increasing influence of media and the importance of effective communication in the political landscape, it is crucial for elected officials to engage in open dialogue and address the concerns of the public.
As the country continues to grapple with numerous challenges, it is essential for President Biden to be accessible to the American people and provide honest and transparent communication. The pre-Super Bowl interview would have presented an opportunity for the President to address pressing issues and reassure the public of his plans and goals for the nation.
Ultimately, President Biden’s decision to decline the pre-Super Bowl interview for the second consecutive year is a missed opportunity. It sends a message that engaging with the American people and the media is not a priority for this administration. Whether this decision will have any significant impact on his presidency remains to be seen, but it does raise concerns about his commitment to transparency and openness.
In the end, the American people deserve a leader who is willing to engage and communicate with them, especially during moments of national unity such as the Super Bowl. President Biden’s absence from the pre-game interview serves as a reminder of the challenges and expectations that come with being the leader of the free world.
As the Super Bowl approaches, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards the game itself and the excitement it brings. However, the absence of President Biden in the pre-game interview is a notable absence that raises important questions about his willingness to engage with the American public and the media.
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