What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap: October 5-6, 2024
Under the direction of Senior Advisor to the President Ben LaBolt and Director of Digital Strategy Christian Tom, the Biden-Harris administration has initiated a robust, all-encompassing response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This response has involved extensive preparations before the storm made landfall and the rapid deployment of more than 6,400 federal personnel to affected areas. In addition, over $110 million in federal assistance has already been allocated to survivors, with more aid expected as recovery efforts continue. The administration has emphasized that no resource is being spared in ensuring that communities across the Southeast have timely access to essential federal resources, which are crucial for purchasing necessities and beginning rebuilding.
However, as the federal response unfolds, a troubling surge in misinformation and disinformation has emerged, complicating recovery efforts. Various false claims are being spread online, misleading survivors about accessing critical resources. These falsehoods include claims that disaster relief funds are being diverted to immigrants in the U.S. illegally, that FEMA is in the process of seizing properties in affected areas, and that survivors will only receive $750 in aid. The administration has been working tirelessly to debunk these myths. For instance, they have clarified that FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund is exclusively dedicated to disaster recovery, and none of it has been diverted for non-disaster-related purposes. Additionally, FEMA does not have the authority to seize land or property from disaster survivors, and the $750 payment is part of an initial emergency disbursement under Serious Needs Assistance, which covers essential items like food, water, and medication. Further financial assistance is available for ongoing recovery, such as home repairs and compensation for lost crops or livestock.
Another persistent falsehood claims that FEMA and the FAA have restricted airspace over North Carolina, preventing private citizens from delivering relief to affected areas. The administration has confirmed that no such restrictions are in place. While there are temporary airspace management measures to handle increased air traffic, private rescue efforts are not being blocked. Local airports, such as those in Asheville and Rutherford, require prior permission to land, but this is standard procedure to ensure safety and efficiency in airspace management during emergencies.
The Biden administration is leveraging digital communication strategies to counter these false narratives and disseminate accurate information. This includes working with trusted online publishers and influencers to reach a broader audience and correct misinformation. For example, a partnership with MeidasTouch, a prominent digital media outlet, resulted in a video featuring a FEMA spokesperson debunking false claims, which was widely shared across both digital and traditional media, including a local newspaper in Alabama. Additionally, the administration uses its official channels, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), to provide frequent updates on the federal response.
In areas where data connectivity might be limited due to the storm, the administration also uses its opt-in SMS messaging platform to deliver critical information to affected residents. SMS is viewed as a more reliable communication method in these areas and allows the government to directly reach people with updates on federal aid, recovery efforts, and instructions on applying for assistance. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that accurate information reaches those in need while combating the harmful spread of misinformation during this crucial recovery period.
President Biden outlined the federal government's response to Hurricane Helene. He emphasized that the administration had been proactive, deploying resources before the hurricane. In response to a request from Governor Cooper, Biden ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops to support the recovery in Western North Carolina, bringing the total to 1,500 troops, alongside more than 6,100 National Guardsmen and over 7,000 federal personnel involved in the effort.
In response to Governor Cooper’s request, the troops will focus on delivering essential supplies, clearing debris, and helping stabilize roads. President Biden has called on Congress to increase funding for disaster relief, warning that critical programs, like SBA loans, will soon run out of funding.
Pre-landfall preparations were extensive. FEMA coordinated supplies and rescue teams, and President Biden approved emergency declarations for multiple states.
Biden also addressed Tropical Storm Milton in the Gulf of Mexico, advising Florida residents to follow warnings and make necessary preparations. He reaffirmed the federal commitment to supporting affected communities through recovery, working with local and state officials regardless of political affiliations.
Vice President Harris sat down with Alexandra Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she engaged in a candid discussion about personal and political issues, with a strong focus on women's rights, empowerment, and social justice. Cooper introduced the episode by explaining her intention to have an open and relatable conversation with Harris, which aligned with the podcast’s usual emphasis on topics important to women. While Cooper acknowledged that her audience held diverse political views, she clarified that the goal of the interview was not to change political affiliations but to explore women’s experiences and rights, particularly in the context of the upcoming election.
Harris began by reflecting on her upbringing and her mother's influence, who instilled in her the importance of agency, responsibility, and resilience. She recalled how her mother encouraged her to think critically about her feelings and actions, emphasizing the need to take charge of one’s life rather than passively allowing things to happen. This philosophy, Harris explained, shaped her leadership style, both in her personal life and as Vice President. Her mother’s wisdom, including the idea of never doing anything “half-assed,” helped Harris develop a strong sense of purpose, which she carried into her work advocating for women and marginalized communities.
Much of the conversation centered on reproductive rights and the ongoing fight for bodily autonomy. Harris spoke passionately about the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which she described as a major setback for women's rights in the U.S. She expressed deep concern for the women affected by abortion bans in states across the country, many of which provided no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Harris argued that the government should not have the power to make decisions about a woman’s body and that such laws disproportionately harmed vulnerable women, particularly those with fewer resources.
Harris also shared her motivations for pursuing a career in justice, particularly her early experiences as a prosecutor focusing on sexual assault cases. She recounted a story from her high school years when she learned that her best friend was being sexually abused by her stepfather. This traumatic experience ignited her passion for protecting vulnerable people, particularly women and children, and drove her to dedicate her career to fighting for justice and equality. Harris stressed the importance of supporting survivors of abuse. She encouraged women to speak up and seek help, reminding listeners that they were not to blame for the violence inflicted upon them.
In discussing the tangible consequences of abortion bans, Harris highlighted the tragic story of Amber Thurman, a woman in Georgia who died after being denied timely medical treatment due to the state’s restrictive abortion laws. Harris explained that even when states claimed to allow exceptions to save a woman’s life, the practical application of such policies often resulted in dangerous delays, with medical professionals waiting until a woman was near death before providing care. This, Harris argued, was a deeply inhumane policy, underscoring the urgency of fighting for reproductive rights and access to healthcare.
The conversation also touched on Harris’ response to the criticism she faced throughout her career, including personal attacks on her identity and competence. She shared how she had been told "no" many times but always refused to accept it, urging listeners not to let others define their worth or limit their potential. Harris emphasized the importance of resilience and determination, especially for women navigating a world that often sought to undermine their ambitions.
Harris and Cooper also discussed broader economic issues affecting women, such as housing affordability, childcare, and financial independence. Harris explained that these issues were closely linked to women’s ability to escape abusive relationships or make choices about their futures. She highlighted the need for policies that provided economic support for women, such as increasing access to affordable housing and offering tax credits for working families. She argued that financial stability was crucial for women to have the freedom to make decisions about their lives and the well-being of their families.
In a more personal discussion, Harris addressed the evolving concept of family. She shared her experience as part of a blended family, with two stepchildren who called her “Mamala,” and emphasized that families came in many forms. Harris rejected the traditional notion that a woman’s value was tied to motherhood, noting that love and family could exist in diverse configurations. She also pushed back against the stigmatization of women who did not have children, pointing out the importance of lifting all women, regardless of their personal choices or circumstances.
Throughout the interview, Harris repeatedly returned to the theme of empowerment, particularly the need for women to control their bodies, lives, and futures. She critiqued the rhetoric of politicians like former President Donald Trump, who framed himself as a protector of women while simultaneously supporting policies that stripped away women’s rights. Harris emphasized that the stakes in the upcoming election were high, particularly for women, and urged listeners to use their voices and votes to shape the future.
In closing, Harris encouraged the audience to remain engaged and not to become cynical about politics. She acknowledged many young people's frustration about unfulfilled political promises but stressed that participation in the democratic process was crucial. Harris remained optimistic about the potential for positive change, asserting that progress came from investing in people and expanding their rights, not restricting them. She called on listeners to recognize their power in shaping the country's direction and to continue fighting for the rights and freedoms they deserved.
In an interview with Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday, Minnesota Governor and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz addressed various key issues. When asked about the situation in the Middle East and the possibility of a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran, Walz emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself, particularly in the wake of attacks orchestrated by Iran and its proxies. Although he did not give a direct answer regarding support for a preemptive strike, Walz stated that any specific military operations would be decided as needed and reiterated that there are consequences for Iran's actions. He also discussed anti-Israel protests, clarifying that while he supports the right to protest, he does not endorse those calling for the extermination of Israel or carrying Hamas flags. He stressed the importance of peaceful protests and the need to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while securing the return of hostages.
On the topic of abortion, Walz defended Minnesota’s laws, which allow abortion throughout pregnancy, arguing that women and their healthcare providers should make decisions. He contrasted this with the idea of a national abortion ban, which he claimed Donald Trump supports, though Trump has denied it. Walz maintained that protecting women's reproductive rights is central to his platform. Regarding the economy, Walz acknowledged that many Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living but pointed to recent job growth and the administration's middle-class agenda as positive signs. He criticized Trump’s economic policies for increasing inequality and defended the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to make essentials like housing more affordable.
When discussing immigration, Walz stood by his record as Governor of Minnesota, where he supported measures such as granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. He argued that these policies have contributed to Minnesota's business success, improved healthcare access, and safer roads. Walz also emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform, which he says requires congressional action, and criticized Trump for failing to deliver on promises related to immigration policy.
Finally, Walz addressed his past misstatements regarding his military rank and personal history, admitting that he had misspoken but downplaying the significance of these issues. He contrasted this with what he sees as more critical political issues, such as Trump and his supporters' refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Throughout the interview, Walz emphasized the importance of character and truth in leadership, positioning himself as a leader focused on practical solutions and integrity.
Vice President Harris sits down with podcast host Alexandra Cooper
