President Joe Biden criticized The New York Times and reprimanded reporters in response to questions about polls that didn’t reflect surveys where he led former President Donald Trump. The focus was on a recent New York Times/Siena poll, gaining attention for showing Trump leading by 4 points, with Biden retaining fewer voters.
During a Tuesday briefing at Hagerstown Regional Airport in Maryland, Biden addressed reporters’ questions about a potential cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and responded to inquiries about the presidential election polls. He emphasized the need for a cease-fire and discussed ongoing efforts to negotiate with Hamas.
When asked about Democrats’ concerns regarding his poll numbers, Biden asserted that the last five polls, which he claims show him winning, are not widely reported. He specifically called out The New York Times as the source that reporters tend to focus on.
Biden also discussed the situation in Gaza, expressing his commitment to working with Israel to ensure more aid reaches Gaza. Regarding his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he stated it remains unchanged.
Q Mr. President, how close are we to the ceasefire?
THE PRESIDENT: It’s in the hands of Hamas right now. The — the Israelis have been cooperating. There’s an offer out there that’s rational. We don’t know what we’re — we’ll know in a couple days if it’s going to happen. But we need the ceasefire.
Q How close are we —
Q (Inaudible) to the hostage deal?
THE PRESIDENT: I was just saying that. The hostage deal is in the hands of Hamas right now —
Q Okay.
THE PRESIDENT: — because there’s been an offer — a rational offer. The Israelis have agreed to it and — waiting to see what the — Hamas does.
Q Do you think there will be a deal by Ramadan?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I — there’s got to be a ceasefire because Ramadan — if we get into a circumstance where this continues through Ramadan, Israel and Jerusalem (inaudible) — it could be very, very dangerous. So, we’re looking — we’re trying hard for that ceasefire.
Q Mr. President, what’s your message to Democrats who are concerned about your poll numbers?
THE PRESIDENT: My poll numbers — the last five polls, you guys don’t report, I’m winning. Five — five in a row. You guys only look at the New York Times. They’re a great paper.
Q Can you get the Israelis to allow more aid into Gaza?
THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me?
Q The Israelis, can you — are you pressuring them to get more aid into Gaza?
THE PRESIDENT: I’m working with them very hard. We’re going to get more — we must get more aid into Gaza. There’s no excuses. None.
Q And how is your relationship Netanyahu these days?
THE PRESIDENT: Like it’s always been.
Q Sir?
THE PRESIDENT: Like it’s always been.
Q Mr. President, what are you preparing for your State of the Union Address?
THE PRESIDENT: You’ll hear me on Thursday. (Laughs.)
All right. Thank you all so very much.
