The show, called “Here’s the Deal,” debuted on Monday with a sit-down with Obama administration “Ebola czar” and venture capitalist Ron Klain, whom Biden (jokingly?) called an “old friend of the show.” Perhaps tellingly for the candidate, who has staunchly refused to participate in a final primary debate with Democratic Socialist challenger Bernie Sanders, the pre-recorded, heavily-edited podcast clocked in at under 22 minutes.

Biden’s campaign laid it on thick in their publicity materials, promising that the show “provides a voice of clarity during uncertain times.” The podcast itself was unremarkable - reassuring platitudes (“I have overwhelming faith in the American people”) bookended promises of competent crisis management. There were gentle criticisms of the Trump administration’s response to the epidemic, and the package was marred by barely any of the stumbles that have come to characterize Biden’s public appearances. But the reactions on social media were intense.

The candidate’s detractors were quick to bring the conversation back to disturbing allegations from former Senate staffer Tara Reade, who accused Biden of sexually assaulting her back when he was a senator and recently took her story public. Biden’s campaign has denied the allegations.