What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
August 7, 2024 Recap
President Biden has declared an emergency in North Carolina due to Tropical Storm Debby, which began on August 5, 2024. This declaration allows for Federal assistance to support state and local response efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been authorized to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide necessary aid to protect lives, property, and public health.
Federal funding will cover 75% of emergency protective measures in various counties across North Carolina. The assistance includes mass care, evacuation, and shelter support. Some counties will receive additional direct Federal assistance.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held a press gaggle where he addressed several key international issues. On Venezuela, he clarified that the U.S. has not altered its formal recognition of the Venezuelan government since 2015, still recognizing the 2015 National Assembly. While Edmundo González Urrutia reportedly won the most votes in a recent election, Kirby did not explicitly refer to him as "president-elect."
Regarding the situation with Hamas, Kirby described Sinwar as a terrorist with significant responsibility for violent actions, including the October 7 attacks in Israel. He emphasized that Sinwar remains a crucial decision-maker and needs to agree to a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Kirby underscored the urgency of finalizing a ceasefire agreement, stating that negotiations are in a "final stage" and that a strong proposal is on the table, awaiting acceptance from both sides.
On the issue of Iran and regional security, Kirby noted that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation to prevent escalation, with additional military resources deployed to the region to deter any attacks on Israel. The U.S. is prepared to defend both Israel and its own interests if necessary. Kirby also touched on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, deferring to Ukrainian authorities on specific military operations while reiterating that the U.S. does not encourage strikes inside Russia and remains focused on supporting Ukraine's defense.
Kirby also addressed the deployment of F-22 fighter jets to the region, explaining that despite their advanced capabilities, they are there for defensive purposes to protect Israel and U.S. interests. Finally, Kirby emphasized that the U.S. is engaged in intense diplomatic efforts to avoid further regional escalation and is ready to defend Israel if required. These statements reflect the current U.S. government's stance on several pressing international issues.
President Biden congratulated President To Lam on his selection as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee. He noted that nearly a year ago, Vietnam and the United States had launched their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which marked a new era of strong cooperation between the two countries. Biden emphasized the importance of this partnership in supporting a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam. He also expressed that both he and Vice President Harris looked forward to continuing to work with General Secretary Lam to advance the progress made in this partnership.
In today's press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre provided updates on several key issues. She discussed the administration's ongoing response to Tropical Storm Debby, which is impacting the southeastern U.S. coast. Emergency declarations have been approved for several states, and federal resources, including FEMA, are actively assisting those affected. Jean-Pierre also shared that President Biden recorded an interview with Bob Costa for CBS, which will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires and welcome the Texas Rangers to the White House to celebrate their World Series victory.
On the economic front, Jean-Pierre emphasized the resilience of the U.S. economy despite recent stock market volatility. She pointed to positive indicators such as low unemployment, job creation, and economic growth. The press secretary also addressed international affairs, highlighting the administration's focus on de-escalation in the Middle East and continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. She touched on the complexity of recent prisoner swap decisions, underscoring the administration's priority of bringing Americans home safely.
Additionally, the briefing covered various topics, including the independence of the Federal Reserve, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and political developments related to U.S. Steel and Title IX. Jean-Pierre responded to concerns about rhetoric in political discourse and reiterated the administration's stance on several domestic and international issues.
President Joe Biden informed Congress about the Agreement between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom related to naval nuclear propulsion, which was a key part of the AUKUS security partnership. The agreement was built on prior arrangements, specifically the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA), and aimed to enhance cooperation between the three nations by allowing the transfer of nuclear propulsion technology and materials for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. The agreement included strict nonproliferation safeguards and protections for U.S. classified information. President Biden emphasized that this collaboration strengthened mutual defense and security, was consistent with international commitments, and did not pose a risk to U.S. security. He urged Congress to support the agreement.
Today, the White House released visitor log records that were generated in April 2024. This set includes 81,637 records, bringing the total number of records posted to 1,475,496
These records were posted pursuant to the White House’s policy to voluntarily disclose visitor log records. This release is consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to becoming the first administration to post visitor log records from its first full year in office.
To view visitor log records, view the White House disclosure page.
Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, made campaign stops in Eau Claire, WI, and Detroit, MI. Both delivered speeches that emphasized their commitment to Midwestern values, public service, and a vision for America's future. Governor Walz opened the event by expressing gratitude to the crowd, highlighting the importance of caring for neighbors and embodying kindness—core principles of Midwestern life. He praised local leaders like Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Senator Tammy Baldwin, setting a tone of regional solidarity.
Walz then shared his personal background, recounting his upbringing in a small town in Nebraska where the community was central. He discussed his service in the Army National Guard, which allowed him to pursue a college education through the G.I. Bill. His career as a public school teacher and football coach in Minnesota, where his students inspired him to enter politics, further shaped his belief in the importance of public service and commitment to the common good.
Throughout his remarks, Walz offered sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump, accusing him of prioritizing self-interest over the nation's welfare. He blamed Trump for the country's divisions and for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, which, according to Walz, led to economic decline and increased crime. Walz also took aim at the current Republican Party’s stance on freedom, particularly in regard to personal healthcare decisions, reproductive rights, and educational autonomy. He made a personal connection by discussing his and his wife's struggles with fertility treatments, underlining the importance of protecting reproductive freedom.
Walz’s speech culminated in a call to action, urging the audience to reject Trump’s vision for America and to support Kamala Harris as the next president. He stressed the need for unity, mobilization, and a decisive victory in the upcoming election to protect the country’s future and the freedoms of all Americans.
Vice President Kamala Harris followed with her own remarks, beginning by praising Governor Walz for his leadership and dedication to public service. She highlighted his deep ties to the Midwest and his commitment to serving the public, making him an ideal running mate. Harris acknowledged the significance of Wisconsin in the upcoming election, stressing that the path to the White House runs through this critical battleground state.
Harris then shared her extensive professional background, which includes roles as a prosecutor, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Senator. She framed her career as one focused on taking on powerful interests and protecting vulnerable populations, positioning herself as well-equipped to confront and defeat Donald Trump. Harris characterized Trump as a figure who abuses power for personal gain, drawing on her experience to highlight his involvement in fraud, corruption, and abuse.
She also warned against Trump’s "Project 2025," a policy agenda she argued would undermine the middle class by cutting social security and Medicare, rolling back environmental protections, and dismantling healthcare reforms. Harris outlined her vision for the future, which centers on building a strong middle class, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, childcare, and education, and protecting fundamental freedoms such as voting rights and reproductive rights. She promised to tackle corporate price gouging and cap prescription drug prices and make these issues a priority from day one of her presidency.
A significant portion of Harris’s speech focused on defending reproductive rights, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She criticized Trump’s Supreme Court appointments and vowed to restore reproductive freedoms if elected, promising to sign legislation to protect these rights. Harris emphasized the stakes of the upcoming election, describing it as a fight for the soul of the nation and a battle for the future of democracy.
In closing, Harris expressed pride in her and Walz’s journey as middle-class Americans who believe in the promise of America. She called on the crowd to mobilize, vote, and fight for a future that upholds the ideals of freedom, compassion, and democracy. Throughout the rally, both Walz and Harris underscored the importance of community, the protection of personal freedoms, and the need for active engagement in the political process to secure a better future for all Americans.
Video of campaign rally in Eau Claire, WI
Video of Governor Tim Walz’s speech in Detroit, MI
Video of Kamala Harris’ speech in Detroit, MI
Vice President Harris gives remarks at a campaign rally in Eau Claire, WI
Harris needs to get people to rallies because the mainstream press is totally incompetent. I don't think she owes them an interview until they show that they can balance their coverage. I watched television coverage for the first time today, having given up on mainstream textual coverage in the USA papers, and realized that a lot of the "journalists" just talk to be talking. Lawrence O'Donnell rightfully calls out his colleagues as accepting not getting any questions answered by Trump and not publishing fact checking in real time when he talks since it is all just rambling lies. They way they have covered Biden is like rabid dogs in heat. I cannot bear to listen to these stupid people who have not even picked up Project 2025 to read. While I have not finished it I am 1/3 of the way through. It is a prescription for turning the USA into a third world country. Not only that, even Hitler and Mussolini did not destroy public education in their countries even though they destroyed their countries anyway. The Project 2025 plan intends to do that. So, I appreciate the daily recap without all the noise that one gets from the substandard mainstream press who are in over their heads in covering this election with the gravitas that it deserves.