According to Fox News, growing frustration is brewing among Biden administration officials over the president’s tightly controlled public appearances.
Jill Biden's ex-press secretary criticized the tightly controlled nature of President Biden's public appearances, saying it prevents him from showcasing his strengths like humor and empathy.
The New York Times has reported "simmering discontent" among Biden administration officials. These officials argue that the president's inner circle is "shielding him" too much from the public eye. The report suggests that these limitations are perceived as protective measures against age-related errors. Furthermore, Biden's inner circle is described as defensive and testy when it comes to discussions about his age.
Michael LaRosa, former press secretary for First Lady Jill Biden, echoed this sentiment, critiquing the overly controlled nature of Biden’s public interactions. He criticized the current strategy, saying:
Everything looks and feels so choreographed, scripted and controlled that it doesn’t afford him the opportunities to show off his strengths — humor, empathy and compassion.
Critics have recently scrutinized Biden's mental acuity, citing instances where he appeared to wander off or freeze at events. The White House has denied these allegations, defending the president’s mental sharpness. The Times noted Biden's "shuffling walk, low voice, and occasional confusion" but also pointed out that Republicans tended to exaggerate these issues and compared them to former President Trump’s mental slip-ups.
The president has held fewer news conferences and granted fewer interviews than his predecessors. According to The Times, Biden prepares extensively for his public appearances, often turning one-hour sessions into longer meetings. These preparations sometimes include meandering stories about long-dead senators, adding to the perception of his age-related challenges.
Rep. James Clyburn commented that Biden is more subdued as president compared to his time as a senator. However, Clyburn attributes this change to style rather than age. Similarly, Jay Carney, Biden's former communications director during the Obama administration, has noted that Biden has become more cautious and precise about sticking to his script.
The Biden White House did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. Biden's age is described as a sensitive topic within his administration. Some advisers argue that Biden has not slipped at all, emphasizing the advantages of a seasoned president.
The Times reported that those who have known Biden for years believe he remains fundamentally the same person. However, many, including some on his own team, assume that the limits on his public interactions are meant to protect him from age-related mistakes. This protective approach flows from the top, with Biden deeply resenting discussions about his age.
LaRosa also pointed out that relatability is one of Biden’s superpowers. However, he argued that this can only be achieved when Biden’s humanity is exposed, including his flaws and mistakes. The Times described the issue of age as a "radioactive nuclear rod of the Biden presidency" that "no one wants to touch despite the danger of leaving it unaddressed."
In private, Biden prepares for public appearances with long meetings. These sessions are often extended beyond their scheduled time, sometimes punctuated by stories about long-dead senators. This extensive preparation further adds to the perception of Biden’s age-related challenges despite the White House’s denials.
Rep. James Clyburn concluded that Biden's subdued demeanor is a calculated change in style. Jay Carney highlighted that Biden’s caution and precision about staying on the script is a significant shift from his previous approach. These observations align with the broader concerns about how Biden's public engagement is being managed.
There is increasing frustration among some Biden administration officials regarding how the president's inner circle manages his public appearances. Michael LaRosa and other critics argue that the controlled environment restricts Biden from displaying his strengths. Biden's age remains a sensitive topic, with some advisers insisting he has not slipped at all. Despite the White House's denials, perceptions about Biden's mental acuity and age-related challenges persist. These internal criticisms reflect broader concerns about Biden's public engagement strategy and its impact on his relatability and effectiveness as a leader.
