Staff Reports
The Oval Office is prepared for another episode of political theater, courtesy of President Joe Biden, who is set to deliver a primetime speech that some suspect may just be a glorified campaign commercial. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has thrown a wrench in the plans by demanding equal airtime from the big three networks: ABC, NBC, and CBS. Trump’s camp believes that whatever Biden dishes out from that polished desk is less of a “bona fide news event” and more of an expert maneuver to sway public opinion in favor of his chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a clever playbook move, Trump’s campaign general counsel pointed out that Biden’s upcoming address — straight from the cozy confines of the Oval Office — is likely to double as a promotional showcase for Harris. The letter sent to the networks invokes the FCC’s “equal time” rule, which is designed to ensure that any political broadcast benefits all candidates equitably. Despite Biden’s less-than-star-studded status in the race, it seems he’s set on using precious airtime to share how he plans to finish strong in his presidency.
Biden’s primetime speech last night — hours after a special counsel determined he did, in fact, “willfully” retain and disclose classified documents — was a truly disastrous moment in American politics.
Here are Biden's most egregious lies:
🔴 CLAIM: “I’ve seen the headlines …… pic.twitter.com/qDwUuQopAg
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 10, 2024
To add some historical flair, Trump’s camp highlighted the fact that until the 1970s, cable networks had to play fair with airtime. Local stations needed to ensure both candidates had the same opportunity to be heard. But alas, under the Ford administration, some crafty rules were penned that allowed exemptions for what the FCC deemed to be “bona fide news events.” Now, with Biden at the helm, the lines are blurred. Trump’s team argues that after the president effectively exited the race, his decisions should reflect that, not one last hurrah for Kamala.
As Biden prepares to captivate the nation Wednesday evening, delivering his first public remarks since opting out of the presidential competition altogether, one can’t help but wonder how much time will be spent singing Harris’ praises. The suspense is palpable — will he deliver an inspirational message about his time in office, or will he leverage this platform to set his vice president up for her impending run?
In a time when transparency is prized, the Biden administration’s portrayal of this event as purely a national address adds another layer of complexity. So, while Biden plans to regale the audience with tales of governance, Trump is busy asking for his rightful share of airtime, all while reminding Americans that sometimes, the title “president” doesn’t equate to winning an election. In the world of politics, sometimes wanting equal airtime is just as much about keeping the public’s attention focused on what’s truly important — accountability and integrity in leadership.
