AP Photo/Evan Vucci
- Jen Psaki and Peter Doocy had a tense back-and-forth exchange about Biden’s first press conference.
- Doocy contended that Fox News was being skipped over, while Psaki said she frequently calls on him.
- Biden and Doocy have had contentious interactions in the past.
- See more stories on Insider’s business page.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday shut down complaints from Fox News reporter Peter Doocy that President Joe Biden did not call on him during the president’s first press conference.
In a back-and-forth exchange with Psaki, Doocy said Biden generally had a “list” of reporters to call on and said Fox News was the only network out of the five-network press pool that was never included on the list.
“I’m curious if that is official administration policy,” he said.
Psaki flashed several quick smiles, but appeared unamused.
“We’re here having a conversation, aren’t we?” Psaki responded. “And do I take questions from you every time I come to the briefing room? Has the president taken questions from you since he came into office – yes or no?”
-The Recount (@therecount) March 26, 2021
Doocy said Biden sometimes responds to his questions at the White House, but complained that it only happens after he has “shouted” at the president.
“The president has been very generous with his time with Fox,” he said. “I’m just curious about this ‘list’ that he is given. [Fox is] the only member of the five-network pool never on it dating back to when he resumed in-person events in Wilmington during the campaign.”
Psaki said that she frequently takes questions from Doocy during White House press briefings and even confirmed an upcoming Fox News appearance.
“I’d say that I’m always happy to have this conversation with you, even about the awesome socks you are wearing today, and have a conversation with you even when we disagree,” she said. “The president’s taken your questions and I’m looking forward to doing ‘Fox News Sunday’ this Sunday for the third time in the last few months.”
On Thursday, Biden answered questions from 10 reporters, but did not interact with Doocy.
That same day, Doocy said he had a lot to ask Biden, from the economy to COVID-19.
“I mentioned last night I had a binder full of questions,” he said, flipping through pieces of paper. “I think some people were kidding, I was not kidding.”
Throughout the 2020 campaign and over the the first few weeks of Biden administration, Doocy has had contentious exchanges with the president, often asking about issues such as immigration or the president’s son Hunter Biden.
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