I agree that Biden needs to get out more, as he clearly plans to do. But why should Biden provide political reporters control over the process? I really liked his SOTU mention of speaking to a local Chamber Of Commerce. Add union, educational, and other non-political gatherings. Let the groups pick the questioners, and give them and him some time to explore each question looking for areas of agreement.
There are many civic-leader Republicans who are both conservative and sensible — just few who wish to be GOP politicians. I ran into many as a local elected official. Give them some non-partisan cover and let the media choose which events to report on, revealing their bias.
Of course Biden should also have flat-out political rallies. These will not be as entertaining as the SOTU but are easier to pull off. And I am sure that his political group understands the possibilities of civic forums (it was in the SOTU!). I just want to redirect our armchair generals.
Who “Dark” Biden really reminds me of is “Give-Em-Hell” Truman. I’m from Texas left-wing political family (yes, we exist), and my first datable memory is November 2, 1948, when my parents got so exited listening to the returns that they forgot to put 5-year-old me and my 7-year-old sister to bed. We fell asleep by the radio and woke to the aftermath of the celebration of a solid Democratic win.