Biden Campaign Provided Approved Questions for Interviews on Black Radio Shows

President Joe Biden's campaign provided pre-approved questions to two radio hosts for his initial interviews following a challenging debate performance, according to the hosts. Biden's appearances on Black radio shows in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania were his first opportunities to address questions and discuss his record after a debate where he struggled to articulate his points against Republican Donald Trump.

Radio host Earl Ingram revealed that Biden's aides contacted him directly for his Thursday interview and sent him a list of four questions in advance, with no room for negotiation. "They gave me the exact questions to ask," Ingram, whose "The Earl Ingram Show" airs across 20 Wisconsin outlets, told The Associated Press. "There was no back and forth."

Pre-Approved Questions Raise Concerns

The revelation of pre-approved questions has sparked concerns about Biden's ability to handle unscripted moments, especially after his poor debate performance. The interviews were intended to restore confidence in Biden's capability to govern and campaign effectively over the next four years.

Andrea Lawful-Sanders, host of "The Source" on WURD in Philadelphia, mentioned on CNN that she received a list of eight questions from which she approved four. The Biden campaign defended this practice, stating it is common for interviewees to suggest preferred topics.

Biden Campaign's Response

Lauren Hitt, spokesperson for the Biden campaign, said it is "not at all an uncommon practice for interviewees to share topics they would prefer," adding that the questions sent to both Ingram and Lawful-Sanders "were relevant to news of the day," including Biden's debate performance and "what he'd delivered for Black Americans." She also cited a Virginia TV station claiming Trump's campaign canceled an interview after the reporter refused conditions on his questions.

Biden argued on Ingram's show that significant issues were at stake beyond his political future. He stated, "The stakes are really high. I know you know this. For democracy, for freedom...our economy, they're all on the line."

Interview Content and Public Reaction

Ingram asked four questions during his 18-minute interview with Biden. These included inquiries about Biden's accomplishments in Wisconsin, what was at stake for Black voters in the election, how he would address those who feel their vote doesn't matter, and his debate performance along with Trump's remark about people crossing the border taking "Black jobs."

"I didn't have a good debate. That's 90 minutes on stage. Look at what I've done in 3.5 years," Biden responded before discussing Trump, the economy, and veterans' issues in detail.

Since the interview aired, Ingram reported that all six phone lines for his weekday broadcast have been flooded with callers wanting to discuss whether Biden should continue his campaign. He estimated that over two-thirds of callers support Biden staying in the race.

Ingram's Perspective

When asked about receiving a set list of questions, Ingram — who has been in radio for 15 years and does not consider himself a journalist — admitted it gave him pause but also presented a unique opportunity. "I probably would never have accepted it, but this was an opportunity to talk to the president of the United States," he said.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on its interview practices or if any appearances had been canceled over subject matter.