Biden calls the media 'the smartest group of people in town' during address

President Joe Biden during a press conference Tuesday, called the media "the smartest group of people in town." Biden made the comments while addressing reporters at the White House on his plan to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Biden said that the vaccine program his administration inherited was in worse shape than anticipated.

"We have recently discovered in the final days of the transition... that the vaccine program is in worse shape than we anticipated, or expected," Biden claimed.  

He continued, complimenting the press on how closely they have reported on the distribution of vaccines. "A lot of you follow this and I mean this sincerely, the press is the smartest group of people in town, you hone this stuff down clearly. I think you found the same thing," Biden asserted.

President Donald Trump was often marked for his harsh criticism towards the press, which created an ongoing contentious relationship with many reporters and news media companies. Biden may take an alternate approach, cozying up to the press with flattery and friendship.

Biden spent the remainder of the press conference further explaining his federally-led vaccination strategy, and the stated progress of his COVID team.