President Biden ignored pleas to speak to reporters as they shouted questions at him as he boarded Air Force One to depart Rio de Janeiro.
On Tuesday, Biden concluded his visit to Brazil, attending the G20 summit and joining world leaders including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. I had a meeting with
Video shows an unidentified reporter trying to get Biden's attention as he was about to board Air Force One.
She can be heard screaming as hard as she can to break through the noise made by Biden's Boeing 747.
It is unclear whether Biden chose not to answer her or whether her question was not heard over the roar of the plane's engines.
“Mr. President, happy early birthday! On your birthday, would you like to speak to us?” Her voice grew louder each time she tried to ask a question, the reporter said. Said.
“As a gift to the press, would you please speak with us?” Mr. President! President Biden, please! I haven't heard from anyone who is traveling! ”
Her voice was almost hoarse and I heard her scream one last time, “Mister, mister.” president! ”
Biden turns 82 on Wednesday, making him the oldest president in U.S. history to end his term until President-elect Trump, 78, takes office in January and will serve for another four years.
Many news organizations have criticized Biden for his habit of ignoring reporters' questions and lack of direct interviews with the media.
In an official statement in April, the New York Times said, “For those who understand the role of a free press in a democracy, it is important to note that President Biden has fielded questions from independent journalists so aggressively and effectively during his term. “It's a worrying thing that we've been avoiding.” “The president holds the most important office in our country, and news organizations have an important role to play in providing insight into the president's thinking and worldview, allowing the public to evaluate his performance and hold him accountable. I am fulfilling my role.”
The statement went on to say that while Mr. Biden may have the right to avoid interviews with the New York Times in particular, he should speak to major news outlets as a general rule.
“However, in meetings with Vice President Harris and other administration officials, the publisher of the Times instead focused on higher principles, including systematically avoiding interviews and questions from major news organizations.” Not only does it undermine important norms, it establishes dangerous norms.'' It's a precedent that future presidents could use to avoid scrutiny and accountability. ”
