During the 2020 election debates, President Joe Biden strategically engaged with viewers by addressing the camera directly, aiming to connect with voters in their homes. This approach, bypassing moderators and opponents, proved effective as real-time feedback from focus groups revealed a significant increase in favorability towards Biden during these moments.
Sources familiar with the data noted that viewers responded positively to Biden's direct appeal, perceiving him as more relatable and human. This tactic is expected to be employed by Biden in the upcoming debate, as he seeks to engage with disenchanted voters who have felt disconnected from US politics.
Biden's team views this direct outreach as not only effective but also reflective of his personal approach to politics. According to longtime aides, Biden believes in the importance of personal connections in politics and is committed to breaking through the traditional barriers to engage with a broader audience.
Communication strategist Bill Russo, who has worked closely with President Biden, emphasized the president's dedication to speaking directly to the American people, particularly those key voters who may feel marginalized or disengaged. Russo highlighted Biden's belief that 'all politics is personal,' underscoring the president's commitment to reaching out to voters on a personal level.
With an electorate that is increasingly disengaged, Biden's focus on direct communication is seen as a crucial strategy to raise awareness and rekindle interest in the political process. The absence of an in-person audience at the upcoming debate further underscores the importance of Biden's efforts to connect with viewers through the screen.
