The New York Times has condemned President Joe Biden for his unprecedented avoidance of one-on-one interviews with independent journalists, arguing that it undermines the role of a free press in a democracy.
The New York Times has taken aim at President Joe Biden for his reluctance to engage with the media, accusing him of actively avoiding "real questions" from independent journalists.
In a strongly worded statement, the Times' executive editor, Joe Kahn, expressed concerns over Biden's limited accessibility, which he believes hinders the public's ability to hold the president accountable.
"For anyone who understands the role of the free press in a democracy, it should be troubling that President Biden has so actively and effectively avoided questions from independent journalists during his term," the statement reads.
Kahn emphasizes the importance of media interviews in providing insights into the president's thinking and worldview, stating that they "play a vital role in providing insights into his thinking and worldview, allowing the public to assess his record and hold him to account."
The Times points out that Biden's avoidance of interviews is unprecedented, with the president granting "far fewer press conferences and sit-down interviews with independent journalists than virtually all of his predecessors."
Despite the Times' repeated requests for an on-the-record interview, the White House has declined to grant one. Kahn suggests that if Biden's avoidance is due to his dissatisfaction with the Times' independent coverage, it is his right to refuse, but the Times will continue to cover him "fully and fairly."
The White House has maintained that Biden speaks with the press frequently and has given numerous interviews, but the Times argues that these interactions are often limited to controlled settings or questions from friendly journalists.
Independent journalists echo the concerns raised by the Times, highlighting the president's reluctance to engage in unscripted, one-on-one interviews. This avoidance raises questions about his transparency and accountability, they argue.
Biden has addressed the Times' criticism in a humorous manner during his White House Correspondents' Dinner routine, joking about the larger audience his recent interviewer, Howard Stern, enjoys.
However, critics view Biden's avoidance of media scrutiny as a serious matter, undermining the essential role of a free and independent press in a democratic society. The Times' statement serves as a reminder of the importance of press access to the president and the need for transparency and accountability in the highest office in the land.
