President Biden delivered a speech on his Investing in America agenda at the White House on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, highlighting what he considers to be his administration’s significant accomplishments. However, the event concluded with the President noticeably avoiding questions from the press, raising concerns about transparency and media access, and sparking viral chatter on social media.
During his address, Biden emphasized the country’s economic progress, stating, “COVID no longer controls our lives. We’ve gone from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the world, literally. Record 16 million new jobs, record small business growth, record stock market, record high 401Ks, wages are up, inflation is down, way down and continuing to come down, and the smallest racial wealth gap in 20 years.”
The speech, which was part of the Investing in America Content Series Kickoff Event, featured stories from local leaders and community members who have benefited from the administration’s investments in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. Mayor Woodfin of Birmingham discussed how his city has seen growth in wages, employment, and innovation due to the administration’s support. Chairwoman Flores of the Colorado River Indian Tribes shared how funding from the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has enabled the Tribe to address water infrastructure issues and support community development.
However, the event took an unexpected turn after Biden concluded his remarks with, “May God protect our troops.” For approximately 60 seconds, reporters shouted questions at the President, who remained at the desk, smiling and slowly gathering his things before being guided out of the room. The press could be heard asking about various key issues, including establishing a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, free IVF treatment, and high grocery prices, while staffers ushered them out, saying, “Thank you, press.”
This interaction, or lack thereof, has reignited concerns about the President’s engagement with the media. The New York Times, among other news outlets, has directly called out Biden’s lack of direct interviews with the press in the past.
The Times emphasized that while Biden may be within his rights to avoid their publication in particular, he needs to speak with major news outlets on principle.
According to an analysis by presidential scholar Martha Joynt Kumar, Biden has participated in fewer press conferences and media interviews than any of the last seven presidents at this point in their terms. The President has held just 36 press conferences and 125 media interviews, significantly less than his predecessors. However, it’s worth noting that Biden has engaged in more informal question-and-answer sessions with the press corps, with 588 such sessions recorded.
The White House has defended Biden’s media engagement, stating that he has done 45 interviews this year and meets with Americans through digital strategies and local media. However, the President’s limited media presence has led to growing concerns about his age and acuity, as well as accusations that his inner circle has tried to hide his true condition from the public.
The Biden administration’s approach to media interactions has created a growing frustration and distrust between the White House press corps and the administration. The press corps has been pressing for more access and information, leading to tense exchanges between the press secretary and reporters in the White House briefing room. The White House has defended its communications strategy, arguing that it is playing to Biden’s strengths and focusing on communicating directly with the public.
However, critics argue that this approach undermines accountability and transparency, which are essential for a functioning democracy. The growing belief that the administration is not being forthcoming about Biden’s condition has created what some describe as a “credibility crisis” for the White House.
