US President Joe Biden during a recent briefing instructed the media, “Start writing that way, okay? My policies are working”, as he downplayed his lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump. The President described his performance as a “bad night” on July 5, attributing it to exhaustion and inadequate preparation. He admitted to George Stephanopoulos of ABC News that he had a “bad episode” and regretted not preparing better.

Biden’s directive to the media has ignited controversy, with critics accusing him of trying to manipulate media coverage.Many have mocked his attempt to control the narrative, with some viewing it as a move that undermines press freedom.
Comments on social media have ranged from concerns about Biden’s perceived dictatorial tendencies to questions about his attitude towards internal party issues.

During the same briefing, Biden restricted the scope of questions, saying, “Any of the — any of the non-press — you’re in the non-press — want to ask me a question. You can ask me. I might — may not answer it. I’d like to stay on topic. I don’t want to get into talking about what’s going on in foreign policy and the like right now.”