Biden's new Build Back Better strategy: 5 takeaways from his long (and feisty) press conference

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden acknowledged "frustration and fatigue" in the country over a pandemic that's lasted two years during a rare news conference Wednesday, in which he also addressed record-high inflation, his stalled domestic agenda and Russia's threatened invasion of Ukraine. 

The nearly two-hour news conference – the second time Biden has fielded questions in a stand-alone setting from the White House – came as the president caps a turbulent first year in office.

Biden's approval rating has been on a downward slide for six months. Inflation is on the rise, a surging omicron COVID-19 variant has overwhelmed hospitals and the president's legislative agenda is stalled in Congress.

Biden repeatedly pushed back at the narrative that his presidency has not met expectations, even as he conceded he would have to pursue a new strategy on key priorities, including his $1.75 trillion climate and social policy bill. 

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