There was love in the air at the White House on Wednesday night — except between President Joe Biden and the press.
The president and first lady Jill Biden made a surprise appearance on the North Lawn at dinnertime to check out this year's Valentine's Day decorations – two large valentines and an oversized box of conversation hearts emblazoned with the White House logo.
Dr. Biden has put together a Valentine's Day display every year since her husband took office.
Reporters asked the president, a devout Catholic, what he planned to give up for Lent, which began Wednesday.
“You guys,” the president replied.
When President Joe Biden was asked on the North Lawn of the White House Wednesday night what he would give up for lending, he told reporters: “You guys.”
First Lady Jill Biden (left) and President Joe Biden (right) took a stroll to the North Lawn to check out the White House Valentine's Day decorations on Wednesday evening
He then answered a question about Wednesday's mass shooting in Kansas City, saying he would receive “more information” about the incident as it comes in.
The attack on journalists comes after Thursday's heated news conference in which Biden, 81, denounced reporters for questioning his memory and raising voters' concerns about his age.
The surprise meeting followed the release of special counsel Robert Hur's report on classified documents that said a jury would likely perceive Biden as a “well-meaning, older man with a poor memory.”
“I mean well and I'm an older man and I know what the hell I'm doing,” Biden told reporters. “I was president. I put this country back on its feet. I don't need his recommendation.'
Allies of the president were quick to point out that Hur, who was appointed special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland, was originally a Trump appointee.
When asked “How bad would your memory be?” the president hit back.
“Now you see, my memory hasn't gotten any better – my memory is fine.” My memory – look at what I've done since I've been president. None of you thought I could pass any of the things I passed. How did that happen?' he asked sarcastically. “You know, I think I just forgot what was going on.”
President Joe Biden gave a surprise news conference Thursday night that led to a heated back-and-forth with reporters over the contents of special counsel Robert Hur's classified documents report
Biden also told reporters, “That's your verdict,” as public polls raised concerns about his advanced age and ability to succeed in a second term.
Later in the back-and-forth, Biden made another gaffe, saying the president of Egypt was the leader of “Mexico.”
Additional reports released Wednesday found that Hur never directly questioned Biden about his son Beau's death, as the president claimed during Thursday's press conference.
“How the hell dare he bring this up?” Biden was furious. “Honestly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself: It’s none of their business.”
NBC News reported that during Hur's five-hour interview with the president on Oct. 8, it was Biden who brought up Beau's death in 2015.
Earlier Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre would not reveal when Biden might next ask questions.
The day before, the president made a brief statement on Senate passage of the bipartisan supplemental funding bill, which is currently stalled in the Republican-led House of Representatives.
“I won't answer questions, but I will answer questions tomorrow or the day after,” the president said.
Asked at Wednesday's briefing what Biden meant, Jean-Pierre replied: “I have nothing to share at this time.”
“As you know, the president takes questions from all of you and often I have nothing on the public schedule to speak to,” Jean-Pierre said.
The journalist then asked whether White House staff were looking for more opportunities for the president to answer questions.
“We always try to find ways for him to connect with all of you. He obviously often takes the initiative, whether on the South Lawn, whether on the road, whether here at the White House, to answer questions. “From all of you, I just don't have anyone on his schedule to talk to right now.” , continued Jean-Pierre.
The press secretary added: “We will see if something fits into his schedule.”
“You asked me yesterday, and I’m always very, very careful,” she said. “It’s Valentine’s Day.” He wants to share his love with all of you. I just don't have anything.'