For all of Biden's successes or failures, it's really about 'COVID, stupid'

President Biden answers questions during a White House news conference on Wednesday. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Biden held a nearly two-hour, very wide-ranging news conference Wednesday that, for all its headlines, underscored how external forces shape his presidency as it enters its second year — none more so than the ongoing pandemic.

He touted accomplishments in his first year, from millions of vaccinations to passing massive COVID relief and infrastructure bills.

Biden reflected on his struggles, too, painted a relatively optimistic outlook for the country, laid out how he wants to be president differently going forward, and even admitted mistakes.