Jul 6, 2024 - Business

8.5 million watched Biden's ABC News interview

Sara Fischer

George Stephanopoulos interviews Joe Biden — President Biden speaks with "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos on July 5, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo: ABC via Getty Images

President Biden's first TV interview since his disastrous debate performance last Thursday drew 8.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings.

Why it matters: The Biden campaign hoped the interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos would quell concerns about the president's age, but it was only seen by a small fraction of the 51.3 million that watched the debate.

Yes, but: The ratings were still strong compared to typical Friday evening primetime shows in the same top slot.

Between the lines: Biden tried to address concerns from fellow Democrats that his age could cost his party the presidency, but his performance did little to tamp down mounting concerns from Democratic members of Congress, per Axios' Andrew Solender.

The pre-recorded interview, which lasted a little under a half hour, aired Friday on ABC at 8pm ET. It will air in full again on Sunday.

The big picture: Biden has given fewer press conferences and media interviews than most modern presidents.

In the wake of the debate, his team has pushed to put more unscripted interviews and press appearances on his calendar.

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8.5 million watched Biden's ABC News interview

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