Defiant Biden vows to reconnect with voters, touts 1st year
WASHINGTON: Joe Biden sought to reset his presidency in a marathon first year press conference on Wednesday, vowing to reconnect with voters and touting successes, while delivering blunt assessments of the “disaster” facing Russia if it attacks Ukraine.
“Can you think of any other president that’s done as much in one year?” Biden asked, ticking off the epic struggle against Covid-19 and trillions of dollars in government funding to save the US economy from pandemic fallout. “I don’t think there’s been much on any incoming president’s plate that’s been a bigger menu than the plate I had given to me,” the Democrat said. “The fact of the matter is, we got a lot done.”
Speaking on the eve of the anniversary of his inauguration on January 20, 2021, Biden held only the second White House press conference of his presidency - then surprised many by staying at the podium for one hour and 52 minutes.
At various times combative, joking and meandering, Biden rejected criticism over his handling of the pandemic and soaring inflation. Asked about his approval ratings, which have sunk into the low 40% area, Biden was curt. “I don’t believe the polls,” he said.
Biden acknowledged missteps since taking over from Trump, citing “a year of challenges”.
These included that he “didn’t anticipate” the ferocity of Republican obstruction to his agenda in Congress.
On Covid testing capabilities, which continue to struggle to meet demand, he said “we should have done it quicker”.
Biden likewise said he understood “frustration” over steadily rising prices, which he blamed on Covid-related supply chain issues. Fighting inflation will be “hard and take a lot of work”.
Above all, Biden in his press conference emphasised his desire to leave the confines of the White House after a year featuring a light travel schedule.
“I find myself in a situation where I don’t get a chance to look people in the eye, both because of Covid and the situation in Washington,” he said, describing how he wanted to “connect with people, let them take a measure of my sincerity.”