What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 7, 2024 Recap
President Biden marked the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 innocent people, including 46 Americans. He reflected on the profound loss and the horror of that day, describing it as the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He highlighted the survivors' physical and emotional scars and honored the stolen lives. Biden reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and Israel’s right to defend itself against threats from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He emphasized that the United States military has actively supported Israel, including assisting in defense against an Iranian missile attack. The president also expressed solidarity with the families of hostages taken by Hamas, underscoring his administration’s relentless efforts to secure their release.
Biden strongly condemned the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. and globally, urging unity against all forms of hate. He acknowledged that the conflict has caused immense suffering on both sides, with tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians also losing their lives. Despite this, he placed responsibility on Hamas for operating within civilian areas. Biden reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to negotiating a ceasefire that would ensure the safe release of hostages, improve humanitarian aid to Gaza, and secure Israel’s long-term security. He concluded by calling for peace and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians. He reiterated his belief in a diplomatic solution as the only path to restoring calm in the region.
Vice President Harris also released a statement, recalling the horror of October 7 and condemning the Hamas attacks as "pure evil." She spoke of the deep fear rekindled among Jewish people worldwide by the violence and expressed her devastation over the immense loss and pain endured by the Israeli people. Harris vowed to continue fighting against the threat posed by Hamas and to ensure Israel has the means to defend itself against its enemies. She also committed to working for the release of the hostages, including the remaining American captives, and seeking justice for those killed.
Harris expressed her sorrow over the ongoing suffering in Gaza, noting the loss of tens of thousands of lives and the hardship faced by civilians. She called for a ceasefire and a resolution that would bring peace and security to both Israelis and Palestinians. On this solemn anniversary, she acknowledged the trauma endured. Still, she emphasized the importance of maintaining hope and faith, invoking the Jewish prayer of mourning, Kaddish, as a source of reflection and strength. Harris affirmed her commitment to peace and dignity for all, honoring the lives lost on October 7.
President Biden spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to mark the solemn occasion of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. During the call, President Biden conveyed his deepest condolences to the Israeli people and the families of the 1,200 victims, including 46 Americans, who Hamas massacred in what he described as a day of unspeakable brutality. He stressed that the United States remains committed to ensuring the safe return of all remaining hostages taken during the attacks.
Biden reaffirmed the U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel’s security and its right to exist and defend itself against threats, particularly from Iran and Iranian-backed terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. He made clear that the United States stands by Israel’s right to defend itself against these threats, emphasizing that the U.S. will continue to support Israel in its efforts to protect its people.
The President also expressed deep sorrow for the innocent lives lost in Gaza and the ongoing suffering of Palestinian civilians as a consequence of the war instigated by Hamas. He stressed the importance of achieving a resolution that addresses both the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Israel’s security. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of a deal that would not only bring the hostages home but also secure Israel's safety, alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians, and ensure that Hamas can never again control Gaza or rebuild its military capabilities. They agreed this would be a key step toward a lasting peace.
The Biden-Harris Administration is taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential impact of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to hit Florida’s western coast. In response, President Biden quickly approved an emergency declaration for Florida, enabling FEMA to provide critical federal support for life-saving measures such as evacuation, sheltering, and search and rescue operations. FEMA and other federal agencies have already pre-positioned resources and personnel, including urban search and rescue teams, Coast Guard rescue teams, ambulances, and millions of meals and liters of water to aid in the response. Efforts are also underway to expedite the removal of debris left by Hurricane Helene to prevent further damage as Hurricane Milton approaches.
The administration has been in constant communication with local officials in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to ensure preparedness at all levels. In Florida, they are closely coordinating with Tampa officials, where FEMA teams are actively working on pre-storm response strategies. At the same time, recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene are ongoing, with over $210 million in federal assistance already distributed and more than 1,500 troops and thousands of federal personnel deployed to assist in rebuilding efforts.
Residents are strongly advised to stay alert, heed local warnings, and take necessary precautions as Hurricane Milton approaches. The administration is committed to a whole-of-government response, ensuring recovery from previous storms and preparedness for the new storm, handled simultaneously, with no resources spared.
President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida in response to Hurricane Milton, which began on October 5, 2024. This declaration authorizes federal aid to support state, tribal, and local efforts coordinated by FEMA to alleviate the impact on the affected population. The aid includes emergency protective measures under the Stafford Act to safeguard lives, property, and public health.
Federal assistance will cover 75% of the costs for emergency measures in several counties. Two groups of counties are specified:
Full emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for 38 counties like Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward.
Limited to direct Federal assistance for 14 counties, including Duval and Alachua.
NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett issued a statement outlining the U.S. response to the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda. The Biden-Harris administration is working closely with the Rwandan government to manage the outbreak, announced on September 27. The U.S. CDC assessed the risk of MVD transmission in the U.S. as low.
The U.S. has committed nearly $11 million to assist Rwanda and nearby countries, focusing on health measures such as surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention, and screening at key borders. In addition, the CDC deployed three senior scientists to Rwanda, and the U.S. provided investigational vaccine doses, therapeutics, MVD tests, and personal protective equipment to support the response.
The statement emphasizes the need for global cooperation in responding to health crises and highlights that while the U.S. is helping abroad, its top priority is protecting Americans. This includes implementing additional health screenings for a small group of travelers from Rwanda and redirecting passengers to select U.S. airports for monitoring. The efforts are part of a broader, ongoing strategy to protect public health and prevent the spread of MVD to the United States.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a press briefing at the White House. The briefing began by marking the one-year anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, including 46 Americans. President Biden and the First Lady participated in a memorial service, lighting a yahrzeit candle in remembrance of the victims. Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration's strong support for Israel and its commitment to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas while also working toward a ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The administration's response to recent natural disasters was another focus of the briefing. Following Hurricane Helene, President Biden deployed thousands of federal personnel and National Guardsmen to assist affected communities, providing over $210 million in aid. FEMA is preparing for Hurricane Milton, projected to land as a Category 5 storm. Jean-Pierre also addressed concerns about misinformation circulating disaster relief efforts, debunking several false claims, such as FEMA seizing property and urging leaders to avoid spreading such dangerous narratives.
The global health front highlighted the U.S. government’s involvement in responding to the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. The administration has provided financial assistance and investigational vaccines to support the Rwandan government’s efforts to contain the outbreak. Jean-Pierre reiterated that the risk to the U.S. remains low, with no confirmed cases outside of Rwanda.
Reproductive rights were another significant topic discussed. Jean-Pierre criticized recent Supreme Court decisions in Texas and Georgia that restrict abortion access, highlighting the administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring women can receive necessary emergency medical care. She mentioned the Biden-Harris administration's use of federal protections under EMTALA to safeguard women’s healthcare rights and promised continued efforts to counter these restrictive laws.
Finally, the briefing touched on international affairs, including President Biden’s upcoming trips to Germany and Angola. These trips aim to reinforce U.S. partnerships with Germany, particularly on transatlantic security, and strengthen ties with African nations. The administration’s focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was also mentioned, with ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages, along with building conditions for lasting peace in the region.
In her remarks before departing Joint Base Andrews, Vice President Harris addressed the seriousness of an impending hurricane in Florida, urging residents, particularly in the Tampa area, to heed evacuation orders and listen to local officials. She emphasized the importance of taking the situation seriously, as this hurricane could be more dangerous than previous ones.
Harris also criticized former President Trump for spreading misinformation about available resources, particularly for survivors of Hurricane Helene, calling his actions irresponsible and self-centered. She stressed that FEMA has abundant resources available for those in need and encouraged people to apply for assistance, as these resources are designed specifically for emergencies. Harris reiterated that there are no conditions attached to this relief.
When asked about Governor Ron DeSantis allegedly ignoring her calls regarding hurricane resources, Harris condemned any political gamesmanship during crises, urging leaders to set aside politics and focus on the needs of the people during such emergencies.
Vice President Harris's "60 Minutes" interview with Bill Whitaker covered a wide range of topics, starting with the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Harris expressed strong support for Israel's right to defend itself following the Hamas attack but acknowledged the devastating toll on innocent Palestinian lives. She emphasized the need for the war to end and reiterated that the U.S. has been pushing diplomatically for a ceasefire despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's resistance. When asked about U.S. influence over Netanyahu, Harris shifted the focus from Netanyahu to the enduring alliance between the American and Israeli people, underscoring that the U.S. remains committed to peace in the region.
The conversation then moved to the U.S. economy, where Harris was asked about the disconnect between positive macroeconomic indicators and the financial strain felt by many Americans. She highlighted the historically low unemployment rates and the economy’s resilience but admitted that inflation, particularly in grocery prices, remains a significant problem. Harris outlined parts of her economic plan, which includes a federal ban on price gouging for food, expanding the child tax credit, and offering tax breaks to first-time homebuyers and small business owners. Despite concerns that her proposals could add $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade, Harris emphasized that her plan focuses on strengthening the middle class and small businesses. She proposed increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans and corporations to offset costs and restore fairness to the tax system.
On immigration, Harris defended the Biden administration's policies, acknowledging the historic surge in undocumented immigrants but maintaining that their approach has been about fixing a long-standing problem. She pointed out that recent measures have significantly reduced border crossings and the flow of fentanyl. Harris also stressed the need for Congress to act on comprehensive immigration reform, noting that their first legislative proposal in 2021 aimed to address the issue but was stalled by political opposition.
Whitaker also challenged Harris on her public image, asking why many voters still feel disconnected from her. Harris responded by stating that elections are about earning the trust of the electorate, and she takes that responsibility seriously. She dismissed criticisms that she has shifted positions on key issues, such as fracking and Medicare for All, explaining that her approach to leadership involves building consensus and finding common ground without compromising her core values.
On foreign policy, Harris affirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, making it clear that Ukraine must be involved in any negotiations to end the war. She expressed caution about expanding NATO to include Ukraine, saying that it’s an issue to be dealt with when the time is right. Harris contrasted her administration’s stance with Donald Trump’s, accusing him of advocating for surrender in Ukraine and lacking a long-term strategy to strengthen America's global leadership.
The interview also touched on Harris’s gun ownership, where she revealed that she owns a Glock, citing her background in law enforcement. The discussion transitioned to the campaign trail, where Harris has been traveling across the country alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Whitaker highlighted their dynamic and Walz's criticism of the Trump administration, noting that despite their political differences, they share a common vision of leadership rooted in unity and pragmatism. As the election nears, Harris expressed confidence that the American people are ready to "turn the page" and elect leaders who prioritize lifting the nation up rather than stoking division.
President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden light a yahrzeit candle in memory of the 1,200 lives lost on October 7, 2023 in Israel
Such a decent man, President Biden is. I will say thank you every day.