- The Washington Times - Saturday, March 27, 2021

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki says Fox News Channel White House correspondent Peter Doocy shouldn’t speculate on White House snubs as long as he can shout questions after President Biden’s events.

The exchange came Friday as Mr. Doocy tried to discern why Fox has been repeatedly ignored every time Mr. Biden is given a list of reporters to call on.

“We noticed starting at the end of the campaign, and then into the transition and here at the White House, anytime that the president has an event where he is given a list of reporters to call on, Fox is the only member of the five-network TV pool that has never been on the list in front of the president,” the reporter said. “And I’m just curious if that is an official administration policy.”

Ms. Psaki began to smiled before responding.

“We’re here having a conversation, aren’t we?” Ms. Psaki replied, media watchdog NewsBusters reported. “Has the president taken questions from you since he came into office? Yes or No?”

Mr. Doocy noted that Mr. Biden has only responded to random shouted at him prior to scuttling away after events.” 

One exchange in January featured Mr. Biden mocking the Fox News reporter when he was asked about a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Mr. President,” Mr. Doocy said Jan. 26. “What did you talk to Vladimir Putin about?”

“You,” Mr. Biden replied. “He sends his best!”

Ms. Psaki said the Fox News reporter should ultimately be content to speak with her each day. 

“I’m always happy to have this conversation with you — even about your awesome socks you’re wearing today, and have a conversation with you even when we disagree. 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.”

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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