What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

September 2, 2024 Recap

President Biden and Vice President Harris held a meeting in the White House Situation Room with the U.S. team involved in negotiating the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following the murder of American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. The President expressed his profound devastation and outrage at the killings and underscored the importance of holding Hamas leaders accountable for their actions. This incident marked a significant and emotional moment, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to addressing the crisis.

During the meeting, the negotiation team briefed Biden and Harris on the current status of the bridging proposal that the United States, Qatar, and Egypt had outlined to facilitate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. The proposal represents a coordinated diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions and provide a path forward in the conflict. The discussion focused on the next steps in the ongoing negotiations, including continued engagement and consultations with Qatar and Egypt, who are acting as co-mediators in the process. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts and complexities involved in the negotiations, as well as the U.S. administration's determination to achieve a resolution that ensures the safety of hostages and holds Hamas accountable. President Biden and Vice President Harris held a meeting in the White House Situation Room with the U.S. team involved in negotiating the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following the murder of American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. The President expressed his profound devastation and outrage at the killings and underscored the importance of holding Hamas leaders accountable for their actions. This incident marked a significant and emotional moment, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to addressing the crisis.

During the meeting, the negotiation team briefed Biden and Harris on the current status of the bridging proposal that the United States, Qatar, and Egypt had outlined to facilitate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. The proposal represents a coordinated diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions and provide a path forward in the conflict. The discussion focused on the next steps in the ongoing negotiations, including continued engagement and consultations with Qatar and Egypt, who are acting as co-mediators in the process. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts and complexities involved in the negotiations, as well as the U.S. administration's determination to achieve a resolution that ensures the safety of hostages and holds Hamas accountable.

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During a campaign event held by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Pittsburgh, PA, President Biden and Vice President Harris delivered passionate speeches emphasizing their commitment to labor unions and working-class Americans. President Biden began by expressing gratitude to Pittsburgh and the unions, highlighting his long-standing relationship with labor organizations like the IBEW. He emphasized the pivotal role unions play in building the middle class and strengthening the economy, stating that when unions thrive, all workers benefit. Biden underscored his administration’s achievements, including the creation of 16 million new jobs, the protection of pensions through the Butch Lewis Act, and significant investments in infrastructure projects across the country. He contrasted these successes with the failures of former President Trump, who, according to Biden, did not fulfill promises to improve infrastructure and appointed anti-union figures to key positions. Biden also advocated for pro-union measures like project labor agreements and the commitment to use American-made products in federal projects. He praised Vice President Harris, endorsing her as the next president, and emphasized the importance of the upcoming election in protecting the progress made under his administration.

Vice President Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, praising his dedication to unions and describing him as one of the most transformative presidents in U.S. history for the labor movement. She emphasized the administration’s goal of building an economy that works for all Americans, particularly working people. She contrasted this vision with Trump’s policies, which she argued were designed to undermine workers' rights. Harris outlined her vision of an "opportunity economy" that supports home ownership, business creation, and building intergenerational wealth, ensuring everyone can get ahead. She stressed the importance of protecting Social Security, Medicare, and pensions and pledged to continue strengthening America’s manufacturing sector, highlighting the significance of keeping U.S. Steel American-owned and operated. Harris concluded by rallying the audience to fight for the future and the promise of America, urging them to remain focused on winning the upcoming election, which she described as one of the most critical in the nation’s history.

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At a Labor Day event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Minnesota Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz highlighted the importance of unions and working-class values. He began by expressing gratitude for first responders after members of his team were involved in a minor traffic accident. Throughout his speech, Walz emphasized the role of unions in building the country and protecting workers' rights, advocating for fair wages, collective bargaining, and safe working conditions. He praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her efforts in supporting workers and described the Biden-Harris administration as the most pro-union in American history.

Walz contrasted their vision with former President Trump and his allies, criticizing their policies that he argued harm workers and undermine democratic values. He underscored the significance of the upcoming election, calling for unity and action from supporters, and emphasized that the fight for workers' rights and democracy is ongoing. Walz encouraged the audience to stay engaged, get involved, and make their voices heard, reinforcing his commitment to advancing pro-worker policies.

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President Biden and Vice President Harris meet in the Situation Room with the U.S. hostage deal negotiation team following the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas