Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) defended President Joe Biden's decision to skip a traditional Super Bowl Sunday interview, claiming that the commander in chief  is not afraid to appear; he just has a packed schedule. 

Garcia, speaking on CNN's The Lead, emphasized that the president has been anything but idle, pointing out his recent primetime press conference and extensive legislative work.

A member of the Biden 2024 Advisory Board, Garcia made a robust defense of President Biden's decision not to participate in the customary Super Bowl interview with CBS, this year's host.

Garcia argued that the president's schedule, filled with critical commitments and global issues, justified the omission. This move broke from a tradition that many have come to expect from sitting U.S. presidents, raising eyebrows among the public and media alike.

The Packed Presidential Schedule

The background to President Biden's decision involves a primetime press conference that took place the night before the scheduled interview, along with discussions with House Democrats during the same day.

Garcia stressed the breadth of Biden's responsibilities, from traveling the country to addressing international conflicts, indicating a president deeply engaged in his duties. This defense came amid speculation and analysis regarding the president's public engagement strategy and how it reflects his administration's priorities.

Rep. Garcia underscored President Biden's active approach to governance, describing him as "an active, busy, bright person." In his response, Garcia downplayed the importance of the Super Bowl interview, choosing instead to focus on the tangible outcomes of the Biden-Harris administration's policies.

He outlined the president's contributions to legislative work and his leadership on the global stage as enduring achievements, countering narratives that suggest a less engaged presidency.

Biden's Public Perception and Media Engagement

The conversation on CNN took a deeper dive when host Jake Tapper questioned the implications of Biden's absence from the Super Bowl interview, raising concerns about the president's public perception and his ability to connect with the American electorate.

Tapper's interrogation touched on Biden's age and public image, juxtaposed against the backdrop of his non-participation in the high-profile media event. This part of the dialogue sheds light on the ongoing discussions about the necessity of being "out there" in a highly mediated political landscape.

Garcia's rejoinders attempted to paint a picture of a presidency more concerned with substance over style, suggesting that President Biden's choices, including the decision not to participate in the Super Bowl interview, are strategic rather than fearful.

The defense emphasized Biden's ongoing public engagements and his readiness to press on with policy work rather than succumb to every media tradition. Garcia's remarks aimed to recalibrate the narrative surrounding the president's approach to public engagements and media appearances.

The Significance of Presidential Traditions

The discussion around President Biden's choice to skip the Super Bowl interview with CBS provides a critical moment to reflect on the evolving nature of presidential communications.

As Garcia pointed out, the focus of the Biden administration remains on achieving policy goals and addressing global challenges, suggesting a strategic approach to media engagements.

This situation underscores the complex calculus that modern presidents must navigate in balancing tradition, media presence, and the pressing demands of governance.

In summary, Rep. Robert Garcia's defense of President Biden's decision not to participate in the traditional Super Bowl interview underscores a presidency focused on substantive governance over media rituals.

Despite perceived public concern over his absence, Garcia's remarks aimed to shift the conversation toward the administration's accomplishments. This narrative challenges the expectation of presidential participation in media traditions, emphasizing priorities and policy over public appearances.

- Rep. Robert Garcia defended President Biden's absence from the Super Bowl interview, citing a busy presidential schedule.
- President Biden's recent commitments, including a primetime press conference and legislative work, were highlighted as indications of his active role.
- Concerns about media engagement and public perception were addressed, with emphasis on the administration's achievements.
- The importance of moving forward and focusing on substantive governance was underscored.