Staff Reports
In his first press briefing, former Biden White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki emphasized the importance of bringing truth and transparency back to the briefing room. However, the reality has not matched the rhetoric, and establishment media outlets like the New York Times called out the Biden administration for avoiding questions from journalists. The New York Times released a statement condemning Biden for shunning interviews with journalists, citing concerns about the president’s avoidance of scrutiny and accountability.
According to the report, The New York Times has persistently sought a comprehensive sit-down interview with President Joe Biden for over three years, but the administration has largely avoided print media interviews. Biden has granted in-depth interviews to just two print journalists in three years, raising concerns about the administration’s lack of transparency and accountability to the American people.
The New York Times Torches Biden for 'Troubling' Media Strategy in Official Statement https://t.co/MzQWz9VqlU
— Michelle Maxwell (@MichelleMaxwell) April 29, 2024
The Times stated that systematically avoiding interviews and questions from major news organizations undermines an important norm and establishes a dangerous precedent for future presidents to avoid scrutiny and accountability. The publisher of The Times urged the White House to have the president sit down with other major independent news organizations that millions of Americans rely on to understand their government.
Critics have also pointed out that both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris seem more comfortable appearing on left-wing podcasts, where they are unlikely to face tough questions. For instance, Biden recently sat down for an interview on a radio show known for its soft approach, while Harris appeared on a podcast to discuss trivial issues rather than facing questions from independent journalists.
The lack of accountability and transparency from the Biden administration has raised concerns among media outlets and the American people. The media are supposed to hold the government accountable and provide insights into the president’s thinking and worldview. Without direct support from the readers, media outlets like The Western Journal face challenges in continuing the fight for accountability and transparency in government.
