President Joe Biden has faced persistent criticism based on reports that his handlers have limited his media access.
Most recently, the White House blocked reporters from observing his Thanksgiving Day video conference with U.S. troops and the president refused to answer media questions afterward.
“I mean that from the bottom of my heart”
According to reports, Biden was in Nantucket, Massachusetts, for the holiday and traveled to the U.S. Coast Guard Station Brant Point for a video call to greet servicemembers.
The White House reported that the president spoke to members of the Marine Corps 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit at sea on the Arabian Gulf, the Navy’s USS Milius in the East China Sea, the Air Force 837th Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, the Coast Guard’s Air Station Kodiak in Alaska, the Space Force’s 18th Space Control Squadron in California, and the Army 194th Armored Regiment in Kuwait.
Biden did deliver brief remarks to the press, stating: “What am I thankful for? I’m not joking when I say I’m thankful for these guys. Thankful for them and everybody — I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”
He went on to interact with a few Coast Guard members before leaving without addressing any other questions.
Of course, his behavior stood in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump, who typically allowed press access to video calls and frequently answer questions from members of the press.
“When will you answer our question, sir?”
The holiday video call was just the latest example of Biden’s tendency to eschew media scrutiny and comes as his approval rating continues to sink lower.
He has also not provided information about his recent teleconference with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week despite questions from reporters following his call with troops.
“When will you tell us what you discussed with Xi Jinping and other leaders?” asked CBS News correspondent Steven Portnoy. “When will you answer our question, sir?”
Instead of addressing the question, he turned and left the podium.
His silence might lead some critics to assume that the meeting did not go well. In any case, Biden and his top advisers cannot possibly believe that his refusal to answer questions from the media will reverse his sagging poll numbers.
The post Biden blocks media during conference call with troops, ignores questions afterward first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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