The last four years have been a strange era in American politics. Joe Biden's presidency has been marked by an alarming absence of transparency and accountability, as evidenced by his reluctance to engage with the press. This is not just an isolated issue; it speaks to a broader trend of evasion that undermines the principles of democracy and informed citizenry.
Biden's Press Conference Frequency Declines
According to The New York Times, Biden has held the fewest solo news conferences since Ronald Reagan. His average of 10 press conferences per year during his first two years is strikingly low. This is a stark contrast to his predecessor, Donald Trump, who frequently held press conferences that were both entertaining and informative.
Administration's Evasion Strategy
The Biden administration seems to prefer tightly controlled environments over direct engagement with the public. As reported by The American Presidency Project, press briefings often involve the Press Secretary rather than the President himself, limiting the scope of questioning. This strategy raises serious concerns about the administration's commitment to transparency.
White House briefing room to return to full, pre-pandemic seati…
Press Freedom Under Siege
While the media may have criticized Biden less aggressively than previous administrations, that does not excuse his lack of accountability. The notion of “press bothsideism”—the idea that criticism should be equally distributed regardless of the facts—has failed both Biden and the American public, as noted by Brookings. The press plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable, and Biden's reluctance to engage is an affront to this essential function.
The Impact on Election Integrity
In a year leading up to the 2024 elections, the consequences of Biden's press strategy could be dire. Lack of transparency can lead to voter apathy and disillusionment. If citizens do not have access to the information they need to make informed decisions, how can they be expected to participate in the democratic process? This is particularly vital as we face issues of election integrity and voting rights, which are often overshadowed by partisan narratives.
Biden snaps at reporter who asks him about midterm races | Fox News Video
Calls to Action for Conservatives
It is imperative for conservative leaders and citizens alike to demand more from our elected officials. We must advocate for greater press access and insist that our leaders communicate openly with the public. As we navigate the complexities of the upcoming election cycle, we must ensure that transparency is a non-negotiable expectation. Our democracy relies on it.
