Following a chaotic moment during a recent press briefing at the White House, users on social media have expressed criticism for how President Joe Biden handled the situation. As reporters were shouting unscripted questions at Biden, he was seemingly unable to restore order to the press conference, instead looking confused in a “vacant silence.”
Amid the disorder in the press conference, Biden scanned the room with a slight grin on his face, seemingly unsure of how to proceed. Eventually, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had to interject and corral the reporters into order, repeatedly yelling at the crowd to stop shouting and wait their turn to be called on.
Users on social media reacted to the incident, with one person writing on X, “The look of utter confusion and vacant silence on Joe Biden’s face as he hears reporters asking him unscripted questions.” Another user in the comments section appeared to suggest that the administration may see a change in leadership soon. “I’m expecting another switcheroo this month…” they wrote.
Conservative comentator Colling Rugg shared the footage to X, writing, “White House briefing room descends into chaos as President Biden stands in front of shouting reporters, not knowing who to call on. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre jumped in to save Biden as reporters shouted at him, trying to ask questions. At one point during the briefing, Biden made sure to let reporters know that all his policies also belong to Kamala Harris, something Harris has been trying to distance herself from.”
Later in the press conference, Biden further fueled speculation that he may be intentionally trying to harm Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign after she stepped up to lead the Democratic ticket when he withdrew from the race in July. Many have criticized Harris for touting a variety of promises she will deliver if she is elected president.
Conservatives have pointed out that she has been in the White House for over three years, questioning why she hasn’t accomplished anything thus far and why she would suddenly be able to if elected president. A common rebuttal to this Republican talking point states that, as the vice president, Harris has little influence and authority. However, during the press conference Biden shattered his narrative, claiming he has delegated significant power and responsibility to Harris.
“There obviously been a number of crises been facing over the past several days with the hurricane. There have obviously been a number of crises that the country has been facing over the past several days with the hurricane, with the port strike, with the situation in the Middle East. Can you talk about how your vice president, who is running for the presidency, has worked on these crises, and what role she has played over the past several days?” a reporter asked the president.
“Well, she’s, I’m in constant contact with her. She’s aware where we all were singing from the same song sheet. We she helped pass all the laws that are being employed now. She was a major player in everything we’ve done, including passage of legislation, which we were told we could never pass, And so she’s been, and her her staff is interlocked with mine, in terms of all the things we’re doing,” Biden responded.
Watch the press conference below:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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