Joe Biden was set to take questions from Democrat members of the House on Wednesday, when the White House inexplicably cut the feed of the live event.
Biden, 78, is yet to hold a formal press conference since taking office six weeks ago, on January 20.
The president’s lack of press conferences is an obvious juxtaposition to Donald Trump – who basked in his time in front of the cameras and press. When he wasn’t holding formal press conferences, the former president would spend a lengthy amount of time speaking to reporters before departing for trips on the South Lawn.
Trump held his first solo press conference as president on February 16, 2017, just short of a month after his inauguration. Throughout his presidency, he held 44 solo news conferences and another 44 joint pressers.
Biden has still not held either a solo or joint press conference, and there is no indication he plans to do so any time soon.
He has answered questions from reporters, but in a limited fashion – frustrating his critics who are demanding that he be more forthcoming.
On Wednesday, he participated in a gathering of House Democrats, held virtually due to the pandemic.
Introduced by Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, Biden spoke about the COVID-19 relief bill, which is currently being fought over in Congress.
He explained why it was so essential, and urged Democrats to make the case to their constituents.
‘I’m happy to take questions, if that’s what I’m supposed to do, Nance,’ he says.
‘Whatever you want me to do.’
The feed then cuts off.
Biden is facing mounting calls to hold a full press conference.
Biden’s press secretary, Jen Psaki, said on Wednesday: ‘We look forward to holding a full formal press conference, but in the meantime the President takes questions from the reporters covering the White House regularly, including this morning.
‘And his focus day in and day out is on getting the pandemic under control and putting people back to work. That’s what people elected him to do.’
Source : Daily mail
