President Biden Faces Solo News Conference, Grilled on COVID-19, Economy
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday faced a test he had avoided so far this year: a solo news conference. In a high-stakes event marking his first year in office, Biden was grilled by reporters on his administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy.
The press conference comes as Biden's approval ratings have dipped amid ongoing concerns about inflation and the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Biden has also been criticized for his handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
During the news conference, Biden defended his record on the pandemic, saying that his administration had done "everything in its power" to combat the virus. He also touted the economy's recovery, pointing to low unemployment rates and rising wages.
Biden was also asked about the ongoing war in Ukraine, which he called "a brutal and unprovoked attack by Russia." He reiterated his support for Ukraine and said that the United States would continue to provide military and humanitarian aid to the country.
The news conference lasted for more than an hour and a half, and Biden faced tough questions from reporters throughout. He was pressed on his plans to address inflation, his views on gun control, and his handling of the Supreme Court nomination process.
Biden's performance was generally praised by pundits, who said he came across as prepared and engaged. However, some critics said that he did not provide enough specifics on his plans to address the challenges facing the country.
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