Joe Biden says ‘we got a lot done’, vows to reconnect with Americans as he enters second year of his presidency

At a news conference marking his first year in office, Biden brushed off criticism over his handling of the Covid-19, soaring inflation and the Afghan exit

Biden confirmed he would keep Kamala Harris as his vice presidential running mate in a re-election bid

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US President Joe Biden jokes about doing push-ups during a news conference at the White House on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Published: 12:05pm, 20 Jan 2022Updated: 12:59pm, 20 Jan 2022

Joe Biden sought to reset his presidency in a marathon press conference on Wednesday, vowing to reconnect with American voters in his second year and touting what he said were his unprecedented successes, but stumbling during an answer on the Ukraine crisis.

“Can you think of any other president that’s done as much in one year?” Biden asked, ticking off the epic struggle against Covid-19 and trillions of dollars in government funding to save the US economy from pandemic fallout.

“I don’t think there’s been much on any incoming president’s plate that’s been a bigger menu than the plate I had given to me,” the Democrat said. “The fact of the matter is, we got a lot done.”

Speaking on the eve of the anniversary of his inauguration on January 20, 2021, Biden held only the second White House press conference of his presidency – then surprised many by taking questions for almost two full hours.

At various times combative, joking and meandering into thoughtful musings on everything from the workings of Vladimir Putin’s mind to Republican opponents, Biden brushed off criticism over his handling of the pandemic and soaring inflation.