On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, President Biden gave a speech at the White House focusing on his Investing in America agenda. While he highlighted his administration’s achievements, he noticeably avoided answering questions from reporters, sparking widespread discussion on social media and raising concerns about transparency and media access.
In his address, Biden underscored the economic advancements made under his administration, 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 was part of the Investing in America Content Series Kickoff Event. It showcased stories from community members and local leaders who have seen the positive impact of the administration’s investment in infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. Mayor Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama, spoke about the wage, employment, and innovation growth his city has experienced due to federal support. Chairwoman Flores of the Colorado River Indian Tribes detailed how American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has enabled her tribe to address water infrastructure problems and promote community development.
The event’s tone changed following Biden’s closing remark, “May God protect our troops.” For about a minute, the President stayed at the desk, smiled, and gradually gathered his belongings while reporters shouted questions at him. Topics ranged from the Israel-Hamas war ceasefire to high grocery prices and free IVF treatment. Staff members eventually escorted the press out of the room, saying, “Thank you, press.”
This incident has revived concerns about Biden’s interaction with the press. Several media outlets, including The New York Times, have previously criticized the President for his limited direct engagement with the press.
The Times underscored that while Biden might choose to avoid certain publications, it’s critical for him to engage with major news outlets in general.
Presidential scholar Martha Joynt Kumar has analyzed Biden’s media engagement and found that he has held fewer press conferences and media interviews than any of the last seven presidents at this point in their terms. The President has had 36 press conferences and 125 media interviews, significantly fewer than his predecessors. However, Biden has had more informal Q&A sessions with the press, with a record of 588 such interactions.
The White House has defended Biden’s media engagement, pointing out that he has conducted 45 interviews this year and regularly communicates with the public through digital strategies and local media. Despite these efforts, concerns about his limited media presence, his age, and acuity persist, with some accusing his close aides of concealing his true condition.
The administration’s handling of media interaction has resulted in growing tension and mistrust between the White House press corps and the administration. The press corps has been pushing for more access and information, leading to heated exchanges in the White House briefing room. The White House has defended its communication strategy, claiming that it plays to Biden’s strengths and prioritizes direct communication with the public.
However, critics argue that this strategy undermines transparency and accountability, both of which are fundamental to a functioning democracy. This perceived lack of transparency over Biden’s condition has led to what some are calling a “credibility crisis” for the White House.
