This is such an obvious conflict of interest that even Media Matters criticized Biden’s “beach bash” the first time it was held.
Via Washington Secrets:
NBC biggie Tom Brokaw’s criticism of press schmoozing with the president and his team hasn’t put the kabosh on one of the most exclusive annual newsie-administration love-ins: Vice President Joe and Jill Biden’s Beach Boardwalk Bash.
Reporters who’ve received the invitation to the third annual shindig say it occurs Saturday June 9 from 1-3:30 p.m at their Naval Observatory home. The event in the past has been focused on kids and complete with clowns, plates of chicken nuggets, pizza, waterslides and super soaker guns.
Because of the cozy nature of the backyard event, it has been assailed by media critics who don’t believe that the press that covers the presidency should allow themselves to be entertained by the vice president. […]
Liberal press watchdog Media Matters took a shot at the first Biden bash in 2010, blogging, “Why are events like this not a clear conflict of interest? Journalists being wined and dined by government officials they cover? D.C. at its best.”