What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap: July 27-28, 2024
President Biden announced a significant reduction in violent crime in the first half of 2024, citing preliminary data from two reports. The University of Chicago report highlighted unprecedented declines in crime across over 40 cities, including homicides and motor vehicle thefts. The Council on Criminal Justice reported a 13% decrease in homicides, an 18% fall in motor vehicle thefts, and an overall decline in violent crime in more than two dozen cities.
Biden attributed this progress to actions taken by his administration, contrasting it with the record increase in murders during the previous administration. He emphasized the impact of the American Rescue Plan, which provided over $15 billion to cities for hiring and retaining police officers, investing in community violence interventions, and ensuring community safety. He also highlighted the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence legislation in nearly 30 years.
Biden reiterated his commitment to further reduce crime by advocating for funding 100,000 additional police officers, crime prevention, and community violence intervention programs, and pushing for a ban on assault weapons to keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Vice President Harris delivered a speech at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where she emphasized the importance of unity and the significant achievements of President Joe Biden's administration. She expressed gratitude towards artists and political leaders present, including James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
She praised President Joe Biden, describing her tenure as Vice President under his leadership as one of the greatest honors of her life. Harris emphasized Biden's significant accomplishments, stating that he has achieved more in one term than many presidents have in two. She mentioned his commitment to continue fighting for the American people and expressed deep gratitude for his service.
Harris celebrated President Biden's endorsement and highlighted the campaign's success in securing enough delegates for the Democratic nomination. She pledged to work hard to unite the party and the country.
She recounted her extensive background in public service, from being a courtroom prosecutor to serving as District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and a U.S. Senator. Harris contrasted her record with that of former President Donald Trump, detailing her efforts against various forms of misconduct and comparing them to Trump's legal troubles.
Harris framed the campaign as a battle between two visions for the nation: one focused on the future, promoting economic growth and fairness, and the other rooted in the past. She outlined her vision for a strong middle class, affordable healthcare, childcare, paid leave, and the freedom to join unions. She emphasized the need to bring down costs for hardworking Americans and ensure opportunities for prosperity and generational wealth.
She criticized Trump's Project 2025 agenda, describing it as a return to a dark past that would weaken the middle class, reignite inflation, slow economic growth, increase unemployment, and cut essential programs like Social Security and Medicare. Harris condemned Trump’s plans to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations while making working families pay the price.
Harris passionately defended the Affordable Care Act and reproductive rights, pledging to sign laws that protect these freedoms if elected. She highlighted the importance of expanding rights rather than restricting them. She warned against the potential erosion of other freedoms if the right to make decisions about one’s body is taken away.
She posed a crucial question to the audience: What kind of country do they want to live in—one of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or one of chaos, fear, and hate? Harris emphasized the people's power to determine the answer and urged them to stay motivated and engaged in the fight.
With 101 days until November 5th, Harris acknowledged the challenges ahead, describing the campaign as a fight where they are the underdogs but have significant momentum. She cited record-breaking grassroots fundraising and strong volunteer support in battleground states as evidence of this momentum.
Harris mentioned Trump's recent wild lies about her record and his withdrawal from the debate, expressing hope that he would reconsider. She acknowledged the hard work ahead but expressed confidence in their ability to overcome challenges and win.
She concluded by rallying the audience, asking if they were ready to fight for freedom, opportunity, and the promise of America. Harris affirmed her belief in their victory and thanked them, invoking a blessing on the United States.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks in Paris celebrating the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. She thanked Mayor Karen Bass, elected officials, Ambassador Denise Bauer, and sports icon Billie Jean King for their contributions and inspiration. She praised performers like Ludovic and Hip Hop 360 for their artistic contributions, highlighting Los Angeles as a city of dreamers, diverse cultures, and future Olympians.
She emphasized Los Angeles' history and future in hosting the Olympics, referencing notable moments from the 1984 Games and expressing gratitude for the continued efforts of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Biden recognized the extensive planning required for the Games and expressed confidence in the LA team's ability to unite the world and inspire athletes.
Additionally, she mentioned the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, celebrating the city's readiness to showcase its beauty. Reflecting on her experiences leading the US delegation in Tokyo and Paris, she expressed excitement for welcoming the world to the United States. Dr. Biden concluded by appreciating the beauty of Paris and celebrating the efforts and teamwork that make the Olympics possible.
NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson issued a statement addressing a rocket attack in northern Israel, specifically in Majdal Shams that resulted in the deaths of several children playing soccer. The attack was carried out by Lebanese Hezbollah, using a rocket launched from an area under their control. Watson emphasized the need for universal condemnation of this act.
The statement further explained that Hezbollah began firing on Israel on October 8, claiming solidarity with Hamas, another terrorist group backed by Iran. Watson underscored the United States' steadfast and unwavering support for Israel's security in the face of all threats from Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah.
In addition to expressing support for Israel, the statement highlighted the United States' efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon. The goal of this diplomatic effort is to end all attacks permanently and to ensure that citizens on both sides of the border can safely return to their homes.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks on women's health research in Paris, France. The First Lady highlighted the achievements of Team USA athletes and noted the significant progress towards gender parity in the Olympics. However, she emphasized the gap in women's health research, pointing out that women's health is understudied and underfunded, affecting not just elite athletes but all women. She shared personal stories of women facing health challenges and underscored the need for answers to various health concerns.
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched the first-ever White House Initiative on Women's Health Research and taken significant executive action to advance this work, calling on Congress for additional funding. Biden emphasized the importance of investing in women's health research to ensure that women and athletes can continue to thrive and reach their full potential. She concluded by urging everyone to seize this moment to make lasting changes for women's health.
On Fox News Sunday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, appearing in a personal capacity, discussed various political issues with Shannon Bream. Buttigieg addressed concerns about the Democratic Party's process in selecting a nominee, defending Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee. He emphasized the widespread support and energy within the party for Harris, dismissing concerns about her campaign skills and managerial effectiveness.
Buttigieg criticized former President Trump for breaking promises on economic growth and infrastructure while highlighting that Trump fulfilled his pledge to eliminate the national right to choose, framing it as detrimental. He defended Harris's record and experience, arguing that her role as Vice President demonstrates her capabilities and vision.
The conversation also covered Biden's decision to step out of the nominating process to focus on his presidency. Buttigieg praised Biden's leadership and effectiveness, citing significant accomplishments like job growth and infrastructure legislation.
When discussing border issues, Buttigieg clarified that Harris was not in charge of the border but was tasked with diplomatic efforts in Central America. He argued that the Biden-Harris administration had seen some success in reducing migration from those regions and criticized Trump's handling of immigration for political gain. He also pointed out that crime rates have decreased under Biden compared to increases under Trump, countering narratives linking immigration to rising crime.
Overall, Buttigieg defended Harris's qualifications and achievements, criticized Trump's record, and emphasized the Biden administration's successes and ongoing efforts.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden greets Team USA members at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France
