During a virtual discussion between President Biden and House Democrats this week, the White House live feed cut off immediately after Biden said he was ready to take questions.
“Thank you, and I’m happy to take questions if that’s what I’m supposed to do Nance,” Biden said, referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “Whatever you want me to do.”
The abrupt ending to the stream, which stopped Biden from answering questions, highlighted Biden’s absence and perceived lack of transparency. Biden has not had a formal press conference since the start of his presidency over 6 weeks ago, setting a modern-day record.
Leftist CNN contributor Brian Stelter even criticized Biden in a CNN newsletter, stating that “Biden looks invisible.”
“There are many ways to measure an American president’s accessibility,” Stelter began. “One way is by counting press conferences. Right now, by that count, President Biden looks invisible.”
“CNN White House reporter Kevin Liptak shared this note with colleagues on Wednesday:
‘As we await word on when President Biden will hold his first solo press conference, an analysis of the past 100 years shows he is behind his 15 most recent predecessors, who all held a solo press conference within 33 days of taking office,’” Stelter added.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki claimed last week that Biden “will hold a solo press conference, but I don’t have a date for you at this point in time.” There has still not been a date set for the press conference, making it very likely that Biden’s record will stand for a very long time.
