Concern over President Biden’s lack of access to the press increased on Wednesday night, after the commander-in-chief told reporters he was “happy to answer questions” before his microphone and camera were cut.
The incident occurred at the end of the 46th president’s appearance at a House Democratic Caucus event, where he was virtually accompanied by the mayor, Nancy Pelosi and her members.
After making his prepared comments, Biden said, which took just under 10 minutes: “I want to thank everyone. I really want to say this … I want to thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
“And I’m happy to answer questions if that’s what you – I must do, Nance,” he continued. “Whatever you want me to do.”
But before reporters had a chance to speak to the president, the feed was turned off and a screen appeared that said, “Thanks for joining.”
Biden has been out longer than his 15 most recent predecessors – going back 100 years – without giving a solo press conference.
All 15 previous presidents held a solo press conference 33 days after taking office, according to a CNN analysis of US Presidency Project data.
Former President Trump gave his first solo press conference 27 days after taking office, while former President Obama did one 20 days after taking office.
Thursday marks Biden’s 43rd day in office.
A White House spokesman did not immediately respond to the Post’s request for comment.
Asked about the issue on Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: “We hope to hold a full formal press conference, but in the meantime, the president answers questions from reporters covering the White House regularly, including this one. morning”.
“His focus day after day is to keep the pandemic in check and get people back to work. That is why people elected him ”.
The commander-in-chief spoke briefly with reporters before boarding the presidential plane and answered some questions from the press after making public statements about the coronavirus and other issues.
Even so, Biden has not yet faced reporters alone.
The lack of a solo adviser comes despite a flurry of executive actions that Biden has taken since Jan. 20 and his $ 1.9 trillion bailout plan underway in Congress.