President Biden on Friday sat down for an hour live interview with Howard Stern at his New York City radio studio.
The event was not listed on the president’s public schedule and was not announced by the White House until it went on the air. Mr. Biden spent Thursday night in New York City after attending a fundraiser hosted by actor Michael Douglas in nearby Westchester County.
Mr. Stern began the interview by telling the president he was a long-time admirer and wanted to meet him for a long time. The host reportedly had pressed the Biden campaign for an interview during the 2020 election, but it never happened.
The friendly interview began with Mr. Biden talking about meeting his first wife, playing football in high school and his work to overcome his stutter. The president lamented that he didn’t take school seriously, calling himself a “jerk” for not being more studious. He also told a story about throwing away textbooks.
Mr. Biden recounted the death of his first wife and how he met first lady Jill Biden. Stern repeatedly praised Mr. Biden and his family as “amazing” when the president talked about how relatives offered support following his first wife’s death.
Mr. Stern used to have former President Donald Trump on as a regular guest before he won the White House, but has since become a fierce critic of him.
The Biden campaign said the interview was an effort by the president to meet voters through nontraditional avenues.
The appearance comes on the heels of The New York Times ripping Mr. Biden for avoiding interviews with established news outlets.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.