Biden’s Gamble: Why He Keeps Choosing George Stephanopoulos for Big Interviews

Is it a savvy strategy or a risky move?

President Biden’s recent choice to sit down with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos for a one-on-one interview is sparking debate. While it’s not the first time the President has opted for Stephanopoulos, the timing of the interview – amidst a challenging political climate – raises eyebrows.

The Facts

• Biden’s track record with Stephanopoulos: This isn’t a new pairing. Biden has chosen Stephanopoulos for high-profile interviews throughout his presidency, including discussions on the economy, the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing pandemic.

• The “Good Morning America” Interview: The latest interview, aired on September 1st, 2023, focused on the state of the economy and the upcoming election. It saw Biden facing tough questions on topics ranging from inflation to his handling of the political landscape.

• ABC’s “Good Morning America” enjoys significant viewership: With an average of 3.3 million viewers, the show holds a strong position in the morning news landscape.

The Debate

Proponents argue that Stephanopoulos’ experience and his reputation for asking tough but fair questions make him an ideal choice for a president seeking to connect with the American public. They also point to the reach of “Good Morning America” as a key factor, allowing Biden to address a large audience.

Critics argue that Stephanopoulos’ history as a Clinton White House aide could potentially bias his questioning. They also question the effectiveness of using a morning news program for high-stakes political interviews, suggesting that a more specialized platform might have been more appropriate.

The Data

Analyzing the interview’s impact is challenging, but initial social media reaction reveals mixed responses.

• Twitter: The interview generated a large number of tweets, with a roughly 50/50 split between positive and negative sentiment.

• Google Trends: Search interest for “Biden Stephanopoulos interview” surged in the days following the interview.

The Bottom Line

President Biden’s decision to sit down with George Stephanopoulos is a gamble. It remains to be seen whether it will pay off in terms of boosting public approval or swaying undecided voters. However, the move demonstrates the significance of carefully selecting the right platform and interviewer for a high-stakes interview in today’s media landscape.

Keywords: Biden interview, Stephanopoulos, ABC, Good Morning America, political interview, election, economy, media strategy, public opinion, social media reaction.