NEW DELHI: Joe Biden’s silence during an overseas trip has sparked frustration among members of the press. In a viral video shared online on November 19, 2024, reporters can be heard pleading with the president to take questions, even offering the gesture as a “birthday gift.”
SOUND ON🔊:”MR. PRESIDENT, HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY. FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, WILL YOU TALK TO US, SIR?! AS A GIFT TO THE PRESS, WILL YOU PLEASE TALK TO US?! MR. PRESIDENT! PRESIDENT BIDEN! PLEASE! WE HAVEN’T HEARD FROM YOU ALL TRIP. MR. PRESIDENTTTTTT!!!!” pic.twitter.com/HRshIAbdrB
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 19, 2024
“Mr. President, happy early birthday. For your birthday, will you talk to us, sir? As a gift to the press, will you please talk to us?” a journalist shouted, capturing the palpable frustration from the press corps. Despite repeated calls of “Mr. President! President Biden!” the leader remained unresponsive, continuing on his way without acknowledging the media.
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The video, widely shared on social media, highlights growing concerns over Biden’s lack of communication with the press during key international engagements. Critics argue that his silence leaves the public in the dark about crucial diplomatic developments and undermines transparency.
“Why won’t he address the media? This is unacceptable on an international stage,” one commentator wrote on social media. Another said, “The press is simply doing its job. The president owes answers to the American people.”
Supporters of Biden, however, defended his silence, suggesting it might be a strategic decision. “Diplomacy doesn’t require a running commentary. Actions speak louder than words,” tweeted one Biden ally.
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This incident adds to ongoing criticisms about Biden’s limited accessibility to the media. While previous presidents maintained regular press conferences or informal Q&A sessions during foreign trips, Biden’s reluctance to engage has become a recurring theme, raising questions about the administration’s approach to media relations.
The timing of the video, just days before Biden’s 82nd birthday, has further fueled debate about his communication style and its implications for public trust. As reporters continue to demand answers, this latest episode underscores the tension between the administration’s media strategy and the press’s role in holding leaders accountable.