In what has become an embarrassingly familiar sight, President Joe Biden answered no questions as reporters were herded out of the room following a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors.
White House staff aggressively directed the press out of the room moments after Biden announced he would take questions following his meeting with the National Governors Association at the White House Monday.
The president spoke, mostly reading from notes, on multiple issues including COVID, crime and other policies before wrapping up with an invite to the gathered reporters, saying “why don’t I stop and take any questions you all might have.”
But very quickly, he reminded everyone that he is actually not in charge.
“And they tell me I’m supposed to call on Governor Cox first,” he said after a pause, as he referred to Utah’s Republican Gov. Spencer Cox.
Questions shouted out were left unanswered as the pool of reporters was unceremoniously ushered out of the room.
The familiar scene, which Biden is allowed to get away with by the obedient mainstream media, prompted Fox News host Harris Faulkner to remark at how “awkward” it was.
“So that was so awkward right then because, clearly, the president did not know that when you say, ‘Can I take any questions?’ all the media in the room might have a few,” she said.
Joe and his handlers are not on the same page.🤣🤦🏼♀️🤣 pic.twitter.com/L7x0kzb7aW
— JKash 🍊The Orange Version (@JKash000) January 31, 2022
Even CNN anchor Kate Bolduan could not ignore what just happened as cameras cut back to the studio.
“We’re going to continue to listen in, what happens there. You can see lots of reporters trying to ask questions. Not happening today,” she said. “We’ll continue to monitor that, and bring you the news when it comes in.”
CNN’s Kate Bolduan: “Lots of reporters trying to ask [Joe Biden] questions, not happening today.” pic.twitter.com/81oqdIjviB
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 31, 2022
Besides the expected backlash on social media over the Q&A fiasco, Twitter users also called out Biden’s reference to “they” telling him what to do.
…who is “they”?…this mysterious “they” seems to run the show in the WH…
— T. Doniphon (@PhilMyman) January 31, 2022
whoa who is running this show and why are they still running free
— Jens Glathe (@jgl_oldschool) January 31, 2022
So who throws the flag to cut bait? Klain? Does Obama call it from his mansion hq in DC? I wish the camera would pan back and we could hear the headsets….”ok that’s hit, red flag red flag, get everyone out” and you see the handlers touch their ears, and begin shusshing
— Elitists can BITE ME (@GGIL1603) February 1, 2022
An equally awkward scene unfolded after the president met with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the emir of Qatar.
At the end of the meeting, reporters began to volley questions that were not answered by Biden. But the president did seem to have a reaction to the press being barked out of the room.
Too many questions pic.twitter.com/D5XHeCWWj2
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) January 31, 2022
— Leesa (@lizza_vb) January 31, 2022
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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