White House reporters who covered President Biden are now reflecting on his approach to media accessibility as they anticipate the return of Donald Trump, known for his more interactive, albeit less predictable, engagement with the press. Biden's single term was significantly shaped by his decision not to seek re-election, a choice influenced by concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. These concerns, often dismissed by his press team, were considered a sensitive topic, effectively a "third rail" within the administration.

One reporter commented that while some publications highlighted Biden's leadership, the crucial issue of his mental acuity remained largely unexamined until the Atlanta debate, where it became undeniable. This reporter believes the press corps missed an opportunity for thorough reporting on this critical aspect of Biden's presidency. Furthermore, they added that Biden's team was highly effective at limiting his exposure.

The Biden administration initially received praise for reinstating daily press briefings, a practice that had been inconsistent under Trump. Press Secretaries Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre engaged regularly with the press, but Biden himself held significantly fewer formal news conferences than his predecessors, Trump and Obama. While Biden's informal exchanges with reporters outnumbered Obama's, they were far less frequent than Trump's.

Biden's age, a historical factor in his presidency, seemed to contribute to a strategy of limiting his public appearances. Instances like forgetting the recent death of Indiana Congresswoman Jackie Walorski fueled this approach. The administration's reaction to questions about Biden's fitness for office, such as Jean-Pierre's response to Don Lemon's inquiry about Biden's stamina, further highlighted the sensitivity around this topic. They also reacted defensively to criticisms regarding his mental fitness, even dismissing some observations as "cheap fakes." However, the narrative shifted after a debate performance where Biden appeared frail and often lost his train of thought. This event, coupled with growing pressure, ultimately led to Biden's withdrawal from the race.

With Trump's return, the often-adversarial relationship between the press and the former president is anticipated to re-emerge. One White House reporter cautioned against overreacting to every Trump statement, emphasizing the need for measured and fair reporting. They also suggested that reporters who offered Biden softball questions should reflect on their approach before engaging with Trump. The reporter stressed the importance of ensuring that the intensity of coverage matches the significance of the story.

Trump's incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has promised increased access and transparency compared to the Biden administration. Another reporter expressed disappointment with Biden's press team for limiting his interactions with journalists, contrasting this with the expectation of combative but engaging interactions with Trump's team.