‘Should’ve asked Trump instead': Biden trolled as he declines Super Bowl interview again
WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden has opted not to participate in a pre-game Super Bowl interview with CBS for the second consecutive year, continuing a trend that started in 2023.
CBS confirmed that discussions with the White House had taken place in recent weeks, and an offer for a 15-minute interview, with a portion airing during the pre-game coverage of Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, was on the table.
The decision comes amid speculations about President Biden's relationship with various news outlets and the political landscape leading up to the 2024 presidential election. White House spokesman Ben LaBolt told Variety, "We hope viewers enjoy watching what they tuned in for — the game."
This marks a departure from the tradition established by President Barack Obama in 2009, where a pre-game interview with the sitting president became a customary element of Super Bowl broadcasts.
Notably, President Biden declined a similar opportunity with Fox News Channel last year, suggesting strained relations with the right-leaning network.
Internet reacts to Biden declining interview
Despite President Biden's seemingly positive terms with CBS News, the decision has sparked a wave of social media reactions, with many poking fun at the commander-in-chief.
"Bro has no idea where he is and y'all want him to talk football," one user posted on X.
"They are putting him in the basement again," another quipped.
"To be fair he probably doesn't know the Superbowl is happening," someone else joked.
"They should’ve asked Trump instead. They’d get better ratings too," another offered.
Bro has no idea where he is and yall want him to talk football 😂
— IGZ 👐🏻 (@itsIGZ) February 4, 2024
To be fair he probably doesn't know the Superbowl is happening.
— Ⓙⓔⓡⓔⓜⓨ (@AR27iselite) February 4, 2024
They should’ve asked Trump instead. They’d get better ratings too.
— Jenna Fredo (@LynkLuv) February 4, 2024
White House relations and past precedents
Interestingly, the White House's decision not to make President Biden available for a Super Bowl interview last year was perceived as reflecting a strained relationship with Fox News. However, the President has maintained positive interactions with CBS News correspondents Norah O’Donnell, Scott Pelley, Robert Costa, and Ed O’Keefe.
This comes amid speculations about pop star Taylor Swift potentially endorsing President Biden for the upcoming election, though no official endorsement has been made.
Aides to the President are reportedly hoping to enlist Swift as a campaign surrogate, considering her ability to influence "millions of supporters with an Instagram post or a mid-concert aside", per the New York Times.
The decision by Biden, 81, to forgo this high-profile interview opportunity is rather perplexing, given the Super Bowl's status as the highest-rated television broadcast of the year, drawing tens of millions of viewers. Furthermore, the move raises questions about the President's communication strategy in a crucial election year, where direct engagement with millions of voters could be invaluable.
In comparison, past presidents like Barack Obama and Donald Trump actively participated in pre-game interviews, showcasing a different approach to connecting with the American people.
President Obama did live interviews with various networks, including CBS, NBC, and Fox News, during his tenure. On the other hand, President Trump refused NBC’s request for an interview ahead of Super Bowl LII in 2018.
That said, the countdown to Super Bowl LVIII on February 11 continues, with growing anticipation surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers championship matchup.
CBS will broadcast the game, and the decision by President Biden not to partake in this long-standing tradition may leave people wondering about the current dynamic between his administration and the media.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
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