What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap: July 6-7, 2024
At the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, CEO Caroline Wanga hosted a "Chief to Chief" conversation with Vice President Harris. The event highlighted black women's leadership roles and celebrated their achievements. Harris discussed her upbringing in a civil rights activist family, her commitment to public service, and the challenges she faced as a woman of color. She emphasized the significance of voting in the upcoming election, citing the potential impacts on rights and freedoms. Harris also addressed issues like black maternal mortality, economic justice, and reproductive rights, urging the audience to use their power and vote to shape a better future.
The Vice President emphasized the significance of the 2024 presidential election, calling it "probably the most significant election of our lifetime," and highlighted the power voters have to shape the country's future. She criticized former President Donald Trump for his criminal conviction and threats to target political opponents, as well as the Supreme Court decision granting presidents immunity for official actions.
Harris also criticized Trump's opposition to abortion rights and his plans to increase presidential power, allowing him to hire and fire more government officials and implement policies without congressional approval. She cited his intention to control abortion laws at the state level following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Despite discussions among Democrats about whether President Joe Biden should withdraw from the race in favor of Harris, she did not address Biden's recent debate performance or mention his name except in connection with the administration's student debt elimination plan.
Additional Source: USA Today
A background press call previewing the NATO Summit discussed key points regarding the upcoming summit hosted by President Biden to mark NATO's 75th anniversary. The senior administration official highlighted NATO's significance in ensuring transatlantic security and detailed the summit's agenda, emphasizing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and NATO's expansion to include Sweden and Finland. The official noted increased defense spending among NATO allies, reflecting strengthened military capabilities and economic benefits. The summit aims to demonstrate unity and support for democratic values, with discussions on air defense for Ukraine, future NATO membership for Ukraine, and engagement with Indo-Pacific partners. Additionally, the official addressed concerns about leadership strength within NATO and anticipated significant announcements to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The White House announced that President Biden will travel to Texas and Nevada from Monday, July 15th, to Wednesday, July 17th. On Monday, he will visit Austin, Texas, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Presidential Library. Later that day, he will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada. On Tuesday, President Biden will deliver remarks at the 115th NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, discussing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing racial justice and equity for all Americans, including Black Americans. On Wednesday, he will speak at the UnidosUS Annual Conference about the administration’s historic accomplishments, such as lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, reducing the Latino uninsured rate, and fostering a Latino small business boom.
President Biden emphasized his goal to "unite America again" during a speech at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia. This was the first of two stops in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state. He expressed optimism about America's future if people work together and emphasized bringing dignity and hope back to the nation. Despite not addressing his recent campaign challenges directly, Biden humorously mentioned his age and received chants of "four more years" from the crowd.
Following Philadelphia, President Biden and the First Lady traveled to Harrisburg for an event at a local union hall. There, Biden spoke about fairer taxes and criticized former President Trump's tax cuts for billionaires. He reiterated the importance of the middle class and unions. Senator John Fetterman joined him, highlighting the progress made since 2020 and praising Biden's handling of current crises.
Biden's visit to Pennsylvania included meetings with local Democratic leaders and a visit to a coffee shop with Governor Josh Shapiro. Originally scheduled to speak at the NEA conference, Biden canceled due to a union strike, reinforcing his support for unions. The visit aimed to bolster support for Biden's reelection campaign amidst recent challenges and calls for him to step aside. Biden reaffirmed his intention to remain in the race.
Source: CBS News
CEO Caroline Wanga speaks with Vice President Harris at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, LA
