Biden strategy of favoring local press over national draws concern about electability

[Right_in_Virginia]

Biden strategy of favoring local press over national draws concern about electability
Washington Examiner, Aug 16, 2019

Joe Biden is prioritizing engagement with local press in early primary states over interviews with national outlets, a media strategy sowing doubts about his electability against President Trump — his key selling point in the race for the Democratic nomination.

The choice to focus on local press over national interviews, critics and even some supporters say, was a required to protect the candidate from verbal gaffes that have been a hallmark of his political career. The problem for Biden, insiders say, is that avoiding the hard-hitting national press and the tough issues they raise suggests weakness and bring questions about his ability to handle Trump in a general election.

“I don’t think they can afford to participate in a modified Rose Garden strategy where they try and stay above fray,” said Jim Manley, a veteran Democratic communications operative. “Democrats are looking for who’s best positioned to take on the president, and running away from debates isn’t going to work.”


More:  https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/biden-strategy-of-favoring-local-press-over-national-draws-concern-about-electability

[Snarknado]

Biden may not be very bright but his campaign may be right about this. The last thing the MSM wants is a pretend-moderate - they want the farthest-left candidate they can get. In regions like IA & NH Biden will get more favorable coverage from the local press.

[jafo2010]

Maybe Biden should be running for Mayor of Mooseport!

[jmyrlefuller]

Biden may not be very bright but his campaign may be right about this. The last thing the MSM wants is a pretend-moderate - they want the farthest-left candidate they can get. In regions like IA & NH Biden will get more favorable coverage from the local press.

One would be quite silly to discount Biden over this. He's been in politics a long time. He knows how the game works.

[Free Vulcan]

Biden aside, this is a valid campaign strategy. Not the first nor last to do it.