News that the White House is working behind the scenes to get flattering media coverage for President Joe Biden is three things: It’s par for the course, it’s eye-opening this close to the election, and it’s ironic because it misses the point.

Presidents always seek positive stories in an election year, but Biden is increasingly desperate as he is losing to former President Donald Trump. His problem, though, is less to do with media critics trashing him than with deepening skepticism about his capacities being openly expressed by Democrats themselves.