Staff Reports
CNN’s Brian Stelter has struck gold, albeit unintentionally, by highlighting one of the most glaring issues of Joe Biden’s presidency. As someone known for his predictable narratives, Stelter has, for once, stumbled upon a truth that even he seems to inadvertently recognize, albeit through a rather convoluted lens. His recent musings during the Super Bowl serve as an amusing glimpse into the ongoing conversation about presidential visibility—or, in Biden’s case, the conspicuous absence of it.
Following Donald Trump’s reelection, the political landscape shifted dramatically. Trump, with his larger-than-life persona, took command almost immediately, bombarding the political arena with daily proclamations and negotiations that kept him firmly in the public’s eye. Meanwhile, Biden appeared to have mastered the art of invisibility, popping up only in carefully crafted statements about pardons or other matters that did little to showcase his leadership or connection with the American people. It was as if he was playing hide-and-seek with his responsibilities, and the American public was actually seeking a president.
Mr. Potatohead!
CNN's Brian Stelter Accidentally Stumbles Upon One of the Biggest Issues of Joe Biden's Presidency https://t.co/hSoses1h67
— Observing Time (@TimeObserving) February 10, 2025
Stelter’s observations during the Super Bowl featured a comparison between Biden’s unobtrusive presence and Trump’s relentless spotlight, which led him to conclude that the lack of Biden on the national stage could somehow be viewed as a blessing. This reflection raises eyebrows when considering the broader implications of Biden’s governance. The notion that going days without thinking of the commander-in-chief is somehow advantageous is a slippery slope that conveniently sidesteps the reality that America has an absentee president. When he does appear, it’s often as though he’s merely a figurehead, with the real decisions being navigated by an unseen collective of advisors.
The response to Stelter was swift and brutal, with social media users pointing out the absurdity of suggesting that forgetting about a president is a positive trait. One particularly savage remark highlighted that Stelter likely hasn’t gone two minutes without pondering Trump’s existence in recent years. In reality, the continuous barrage of Trump news simply underscores the stark contrast between how an active president engages with the public versus how a disengaged leader leaves people wondering who is really in charge.
Stelter’s statement inadvertently reveals the stark differences in media standards when it comes to Republican and Democratic leaders. During Trump’s presidency, any silence from the First Lady warranted media scrutiny and concern. In contrast, the absence of Biden—not just from the limelight but from the duties of the presidency itself—seems to be brushed off. This double standard culminates in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek takeaway: when Democrat presidents are out of sight, it’s considered a virtue; when Republican leaders are visible, it’s seen as overindulgence.
In the grand tapestry of American political discourse, Stelter’s faux pas is a telling microcosm of the mainstream media’s struggles. Therein lies a fundamental truth: leadership shouldn’t be about whether or not a president is inescapably present but rather whether they are effectively guiding and connecting with the populace. As America continues to navigate the Biden administration’s challenges, the need for transparency and active engagement becomes ever more crucial—a lesson Stelter may want to ponder.
