The Most Accessible President Has Had Enough [OPINION]
President Donald Trump has been the most accessible president in history. There has never been a president who makes himself available to the press so consistently. He is generally known to stick around sometimes for hours taking questions from reporters.
Unlike many of Trump's predecessors, who would go months without a press conference, Trump is known to meet with reporters at least once most days – sometimes multiple times in the same day. There has never been greater transparency. But that may have come to an end, at least for now, as a result of the silly and embarrassing media orgy over disinfectants last week.
Over the weekend, Trump conducted his daily Coronavirus Task Force briefing but left without taking questions from the press. The man has reached the limit of his patience with the childlike and disrespectful behavior of the White House press corps. Who can blame him?
Rather than ask relevant questions about the COVID-19 outbreak, the media has sought to sensationalize the entire thing and is more inclined to play "gotcha" games and be accusatory and downright rude. Trump works 24/7 and accepts no payment for his work. He doesn't have to put up with that.
After eight years of the most secretive administration, it is refreshing to see such accessibility in the White House. But Trump doesn't have to do daily Punch and Judy shows with the media. Perhaps when the boys and girls in the press room can learn how to behave as adults, Trump will consider making himself available again. But until that happens I wouldn't blame him if he doesn't.
Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.