Politics
Sharpton, at D.C. press prom, says Biden doesn't need to do more press: 'Trump was too accessible'
Former President Trump held more solo news conferences in his first year than President Biden.
April 30, 2022 10:51pm
Updated: May 1, 2022 10:16am
Rev. Al Sharpton, host of "PoliticsNation" on MSNBC, said on Saturday at the White House Correspondents' Dinner that former President Donald Trump was "too accessible" to the media when compared to President Joe Biden.
Former President Trump held more solo news conferences in his first year than Biden. So far this year, Biden has held two solo news conferences where he took direct questions from reporters.
Some journalists have called on Biden to do more news conferences and one-on-one interviews, noting that Trump was more accessible to the press.
Sharpton was asked if he wants to see Biden do more press and make himself more accessible to the media.
"I think Trump was too accessible, and I think Trump wouldn't even let the experts talk," Sharpton said on the red carpet at the dinner. "He'd break into their press conference. I hope Biden never acts like that."
Actor Leslie Jordan, who is attending his first White House Correspondents' Dinner, was asked if he wants to see Biden in front of the press more often, given that he's done less news conferences than Trump.
"I think he's less of a show off," he said. "I think press is a pain in the ass sometimes. As an actor, it's my least favorite thing to, do but you have to do it."
Jordan praised Biden's job performance in office.
"I think he's very honest," he said. "I like that. I want to pat him on the back and tell him you are doing a good job, Mr. President, you really are."
When asked if he thinks record inflation and the GDP reduction of 1.4% could hurt Democrats in the midterms, Jordan said, "I'm not worried at all."
Sharpton was asked if he thinks the Democrats will maintain control of Congress in the midterms or not.
"It's too early to tell," he said. "I think right now it's even Steven."
Actor Chris Tucker was also asked if he wants to see Biden do more press given that Trump held more news conferences in his first year.
"He's been doing a good job, I think he's been doing a good job out there," he said.