Joe Biden is reportedly struggling to book speaking gigs as his $300K per speech asking price deters potential event organizers.
Joe Biden, the former president of the United States, is currently having difficulty securing speaking engagements.
He is asking for $300,000 per speech, which seems to be a high price for many potential clients.
This situation has raised concerns among his supporters and former aides.
Joe Biden faces challenges in the speaking market.
Since leaving office, Biden has aimed to continue his career as a speaker. However, reports suggest that he is finding it hard to get bookings at his asking price.
His fee is lower than former President Barack Obama’s, who charged $400,000 for similar engagements.
Biden’s current rate is still significant, and it appears that not many organizations are willing to pay this amount.
Biden’s recent remarks sparked criticism and concern.
Biden’s recent public appearances have also contributed to the challenges in his speaking career.
During a speech at a disability conference, he commented that many found troubling. He referred to “colored kids,” which sparked criticism.
Some former aides expressed concern, suggesting it might be time for him to step back from public life.
They believe he should enjoy retirement rather than face such scrutiny.
Comments like the one made at the disability conference have affected Biden’s image.
Former aides have noted that his remarks sometimes contain inaccuracies, which can turn off potential audiences.
People who once supported him are now concerned about his ability to communicate effectively.
This situation has made it harder for him to find organizations willing to pay for his speeches.
“This was hard to watch,” said one former White House official. “It felt like seeing someone you care about start to regress. We just wanted him to enjoy retirement like other presidents — not go out like this.”
“Black people elected Joe Biden, and then his senior team cut them off, even staff hired to help with engagement,” this person said.
Mixed opinions on Biden’s value as a speaker
There are varying opinions about Biden’s marketability as a speaker.
Some believe he could regain interest over time, especially if political situations change.
Others think that his current agency, the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), may not be the best fit for promoting him.
CAA primarily represents Hollywood figures and may lack the connections needed to secure lucrative business engagements.
“CAA is a Hollywood shop. They’re not set up to market speakers to, like, the national duty-free shopping conference. The bread and butter of paid speaking gigs is random large annual industry conferences.”
“I do not think he is a draw yet,” this former staffer said. “I think he will be more of a draw as Trump continues to dismantle our democracy.”
Joe Biden enjoyed significant success in public speaking.
Before this downturn, Biden had a successful speaking career after his vice presidency. He earned large sums from universities and organizations.
For instance, he was paid $190,000 for a speech at Drew University and $182,000 at Lake Michigan College.
During that time, he was able to attract audiences who were willing to pay for his insights and experiences.
The current speaking market is more competitive than before.
Many organizations have shifted their focus to different speakers or topics.
Biden’s past comments about education and college costs may have also soured some institutions on inviting him to speak.
This makes it harder for him to attract the same kind of engagements he once enjoyed.