According to Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), the White House staff is “overprotecting” President Biden, and he believes that more public appearances and press conferences would benefit the president. In an interview with “America’s Newsroom” on Fox News, Khanna stated, “I think he’s actually really good. I think his staff overprotects him… Put him out there in a press conference. Who cares if someone makes a gaffe? Every person makes a gaffe in conversations. Let’s see the authentic President Biden.” Khanna praised Biden for being an empathetic person and said that more exposure would only improve his public image.
Biden faced some criticism after a photo of him holding a card with a reporter’s information and the outline of their question during a press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol went viral online. However, the White House denied that Biden was given any questions in advance, and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained that it is “entirely normal” for the president to be briefed on “the issues we expect” reporters might ask about, but he does not receive specific questions beforehand.
Opponents of Biden have raised concerns about his age and mental acuity as he seeks reelection for a second term. Biden, who is currently 80 years old, would be 86 at the end of his second term if reelected. However, Khanna believes that age will not be a significant factor in the 2024 race and that Biden is open to addressing it. Khanna added that Republicans would be making a “huge mistake” if they focus the 2024 race on Biden’s age. “Elections aren’t about the candidates,” Khanna said. “They’re about the American people.”
