Biden Promises Press Conference After Big Decision

After President Joe Biden returns from Japan, he will hold a press conference to discuss raising the debt ceiling, as he pledged on Wednesday. Since Ronald Reagan, no president has had fewer press conferences than he has, which has drawn much criticism. 

On Wednesday, he will leave for G-7 meetings in Japan, and on Sunday, before returning home, he will have a press conference in Japan, so says the White House. 

On May 5, a Friday, Biden misled the public by announcing he would have a large press conference at 3 p.m. when he would be appearing on MSNBC for a prerecorded interview. According to the Republican National Committee, it has been 184 days since Biden’s last solo press conference, which dates back to his statements on November 14 in Bali, Indonesia. 

However, there is some debate as to what constitutes a press conference.

President Biden shortened his trip to Asia as the debt ceiling deadline approaches, but some Democrats are growing concerned that he may cave to too many demands. 

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has angled Biden, playing a game of chicken in the  negotiations. To avert a historic debt default, Biden appears to have blinked first.

The progressive wing of the Democratic Party has been the most vociferous about its concerns, and its members have been monitoring the negotiations closely. The latest indication from Biden that he is exploring certain modifications to government safety net programs, a core Republican demand, is driving a Democratic backup plan to avoid having to reach any agreement with McCarthy. 

Among Democrats, progressives have been the most vocal in expressing their concerns, and they have made it clear to the president that they will be monitoring every development in the negotiations very closely, a veiled threat aimed at his upcoming re-election aspirations.

While the White House has clarified that any modifications to Medicaid’s work requirement are unacceptable, other aid forms to low-income individuals and families, such as food stamps and cash assistance, may be discussed. 

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) informed reporters he had contacted the Biden administration to express his support for a compromise.