A second local radio host, Earl Ingram, confirmed to ABC News that he received questions in advance for a Biden interview.
According to ABC News, Ingram, who interacted with Biden post-debate, was given five specific questions, four of which he utilized. These questions were curated to focus on the President's debate performance and his initiatives benefiting black Americans.
Local radio personalities like Earl Ingram and Andrea Lawful-Sanders were handed a set of questions prepared by the aides of President Biden for their interviews.
Andrea Lawful-Sanders received eight questions, four of which she approved and selected. She articulated that the process allowed for smooth and focused discussions relevant to current affairs, emphasizing the organization in high-profile interviews.
Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, clarified that it is commonplace for interviewees to point out preferred topics or questions, assuring that all pre-selected questions aligned with timely and significant national issues.
Sherwin Hughes from Milwaukee highlighted a contrasting experience where no preconditions were placed on the discussion topics during his interview. Similarly, Darian Morgan from Atlanta mentioned receiving sample questions but underscored the absence of any obligation to adhere strictly to those prompts.
Morgan pointed out that such practices are routine when engaging with elected officials, suggesting an industry norm rather than an anomaly. This highlights the varied approaches to handling media interactions within political campaigns.
Darian Morgan explained the commonality of pre-interview arrangements, "In my history of interviewing elected officials, a lot of people like to do that."
Despite the questions provided, hosts expressed their freedom during their interviews. The Biden campaign emphasized that while suggested questions were offered, hosts always retained the liberty to fashion their segments as they saw fit, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive discourse.
The insights into the handling of these interviews emerged around the same time Biden participated in other media engagements, such as a press gaggle and an interview on ABC, following a campaign rally at Sherman Middle School on July 5, 2024.
In response to public discourse on the practice, sources familiar with the Biden booking operation have indicated plans to cease the suggestion of specific questions to journalists in the future. This decision mirrors a broader commitment to transparency and spontaneity in media engagements.
Earl Ingram shared his personal sentiment about the interview arrangement, saying:
To think that I was going to get an opportunity to ask any question to the President of the United States, I think, is a bit more than anybody should expect. Certainly, the fact that they gave me this opportunity ... meant a lot to me.
The arrangement of pre-selected questions for some of Biden's radio interviews has sparked a debate on the transparency and appropriateness in political communications. While some see it as necessary, others argue for more open dialogue. The campaign has committed to stop this practice to improve the authenticity of future political discussions.
