Biden's ABC Interview Won't Stop Democratic Panic, Media Experts Say

President Biden's upcoming interview with ABC News is unlikely to alleviate concerns about his performance in the recent debate, according to media experts who argue that he needs multiple unscripted public appearances to prove his fitness for office.

In a recent appearance on CNN's "This Morning," Axios senior media reporter Sara Fischer expressed skepticism about the impact of President Biden's upcoming ABC interview. While Biden attempts to downplay his poor performance in the recent debate by emphasizing his long tenure in office, Fischer contends that the public needs multiple unscripted appearances to be convinced of his abilities.

Biden's ABC Interview Won't Stop Democratic Panic, Media Experts Say

Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont echoed this sentiment, asserting that the president must engage in "open-ended press conferences" and "unscripted engagements with voters" rather than relying solely on interviews or controlled conversations with select individuals. Former CNN media reporter Brian Stelter went further, suggesting that the interview would be a mere "Band-Aid on a giant, gaping bullet hole" and that more substantial measures, such as debates or press conferences, were necessary.

Despite Biden's scheduled interview with ABC and plans to hold a press conference during the upcoming NATO summit, media experts remain unconvinced. Stelter questioned Biden's ability to handle unscripted interactions for extended periods and pointed out that the president has avoided live interviews in high-profile situations, such as the Super Bowl Sunday interview.

Biden's ABC Interview Won't Stop Democratic Panic, Media Experts Say

ABC correspondent Jon Karl added to the chorus of skepticism, expressing concern that the ABC interview had not assuaged the fears of "jittery Democrats" who believe Biden is on a trajectory to lose the election. Former Obama adviser David Axelrod similarly dismissed the interview's impact, describing it as a display of "denial, delusion, and defiance."

Republican strategist Doug Heye emphasized the need for Biden to face unscripted questions from reporters, citing the White House's decision to forgo a live Super Bowl interview. Heye argued that the decision sent a message of distrust in Biden's ability to handle such interactions.

Biden's ABC Interview Won't Stop Democratic Panic, Media Experts Say

Former Biden White House communications director Kate Bedingfield suggested that scheduling issues may have played a role in the decision to tape the ABC interview but acknowledged that Biden needed to engage with the public more promptly. MSNBC's Symone Sanders Townsend echoed this view, expressing confidence in Biden's ability to shine in town halls and interactions with regular people.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also called for the president to grant interviews to "serious" journalists, emphasizing the importance of unscripted conversations where Biden could demonstrate his knowledge, empathy, and judgment.

Biden's ABC Interview Won't Stop Democratic Panic, Media Experts Say

Fischer reiterated the need for multiple unscripted public appearances, arguing that Biden needs to prove to the public that the debate performance was an anomaly. MSNBC's Joe Scarborough agreed, emphasizing that Biden must answer questions about his capabilities through interviews, press conferences, and other public engagements.

Democratic Representative Tim Ryan expressed skepticism about the impact of Biden's ABC interview, calling for additional measures such as interviews and town halls in "hostile" environments. Key Biden allies, including Pelosi and Clyburn, have remained supportive despite calls from several Democrats and liberal media outlets for the president to step aside.

Biden's ABC Interview Won't Stop Democratic Panic, Media Experts Say