In a surprising media appearance, President Joe Biden sat down with Howard Stern on his show, an interaction prompted by Hillary Clinton's advisory team according to Fox News.
President Biden's friendly interaction on "The Howard Stern Show" has drawn attention both for its informal tone and the political maneuvers behind it.
Last Friday, President Biden appeared live on Sirius XM's "The Howard Stern Show," discussing personal topics ranging from his youth as a lifeguard to his early political career.
This interview, marking a departure from Biden's usual media engagements, was notably light on policy discussions.
The show's executive producer, Gary Dell’Abate, revealed that the interview was the culmination of four years of planning and coordination. Dell’Abate extended special thanks to Hillary Clinton, noting her critical role in making this interview happen.
Clinton's team, despite her declining an invitation to the show in 2016, played a pivotal part in advising Biden's team on the benefits of engaging with Stern's audience. According to sources close to Clinton, her team communicated to Biden's advisors that Stern's platform was a valuable venue for reaching a broader audience.
Howard Stern, known for his provocative style, has been a vocal supporter of Clinton, especially during her 2016 presidential campaign.
In 2019, Stern expressed regret that Clinton did not use his show as a platform to connect with voters, suggesting it could have altered public perceptions favorably towards her.
When Clinton finally appeared on Stern's show later that year, it sparked discussions and speculation regarding her political aspirations, hinting at a possible 2020 presidential run.
Stern's interview with Biden aimed to humanize the President, focusing on personal stories and experiences rather than the political agenda. Stern described the interview as "natural" and expressed his honor in hosting the sitting President, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
This approach aligns with Stern's belief, as he stated in 2019, that his show offers a unique opportunity for public figures to connect with an audience that might otherwise be dismissive or hostile towards them.
The decision for Biden to engage with Stern came at a time when the President faced criticism for avoiding more traditional and serious media interactions.
The New York Times has pointed out Biden's infrequent press conferences and interviews with established news outlets, a stark contrast to his predecessors.
At a recent White House Correspondents' Dinner, Biden humorously addressed these critiques by referring to Stern as a "strong independent journalist," a nod to the ongoing debate over his media engagement strategy.
Following the interview, the White House and representatives for Clinton maintained a low profile, declining to comment on the specifics of the interaction. Fox News Digital reached out for comments but did not receive any responses from either party.
Meanwhile, reactions to the interview have been mixed, with some appreciating the lighter, more human side of Biden, while others criticize it as a missed opportunity to address more pressing national issues.
In summary, President Biden's appearance on Howard Stern's show, influenced heavily by Hillary Clinton and her team, was a strategic attempt to showcase his more relatable, personal aspects amidst criticisms of his media strategy.
