What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 15, 2024 Recap
President Biden emphasized his commitment to supporting unions and workers, highlighting a doubling of union representation filings since he took office—making it the first administration in 50 years to see such an increase. He noted that he had secured the first budget increase for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in almost a decade and emphasized his efforts to fund the board further to support workers. Biden contrasted his administration's pro-worker stance with the previous administration, which he criticized for undermining worker protections. He cited restoring overtime pay protections for 4 million workers and advocating for the PRO Act, stressing that strong unions benefit all workers and the broader economy.
President Biden announced the appointment of several individuals to key roles in two important commissions: the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State and the National Science Board.
Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State: This newly established commission aims to advise on updating the Department of State to meet modern diplomatic challenges. Appointees include Michael Guest, Pamela Spratlen, Caroline Tess, and Ricardo Zuniga. These members bring extensive experience in foreign service, national security, and diplomacy.
National Cancer Advisory Board: Kimberly Stegmaier has been appointed to support cancer research and development. This appointment aligns with the goals of the Cancer Moonshot initiative to advance breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.
National Science Board: Several appointments were made to guide research and education in science and engineering through the National Science Foundation. The appointees include Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Yolanda Gil, Juan Gilbert, Jeffrey A. Isaacson, Willie E. May, Alondra Nelson, Sarah O’Donnell, and Ryan Panchadsaram. Their backgrounds span computer science, physics, national security, social science, and policy.
These appointments aim to advance the United States' leadership in diplomacy, scientific research, and innovation.
President Biden issued a letter informing Congressional leadership about recent developments in the Middle East and the U.S. government's response. On October 1, 2024, Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. In response, the U.S. mobilized its military forces to support Israel's defense, in line with its commitment to Israel's security.
The U.S. military actions included:
Extending the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with advanced fighter jets, to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.
Deploying additional ballistic missile defense-capable destroyers, the guided missile submarine USS Georgia, and the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group.
Deploying various fighter and attack squadrons, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft.
Installing a ballistic missile defense system in Israel, operated by U.S. service members.
The U.S. forces remained in the region to protect American interests and support Israel's defense against potential future attacks. These actions aligned with President Biden’s constitutional role as Commander in Chief to ensure national security and uphold U.S. foreign policy interests.
In a town hall event hosted in Detroit, Vice President Kamala Harris and Charlamagne Tha God discussed various issues affecting the nation and the Black community. The conversation aimed to address public concerns, policy plans, and the stakes of the upcoming election, as well as respond to criticisms Harris has faced during her tenure.
Public Perception and Criticism: Charlamagne questioned Harris on the criticism that she often appears scripted and sticks to talking points, suggesting that it might come across as lacking authenticity. Harris defended her approach, explaining that repetition is a strategic choice to ensure people understand her core beliefs and policy priorities. She emphasized that this consistency helps her communicate her vision clearly, especially in critical times like the current election cycle. She also noted that being disciplined in messaging is essential to reinforce key points and ensure voters know the stakes involved in the election.
Election Stakes and Policy Differences: Harris emphasized the tight nature of the election, describing the stakes as historically significant. She contrasted her vision for America with her opponent, Donald Trump, framing the election as a choice between moving forward with progress or reverting to harmful policies. Harris pointed to specific policies, such as the $35 cap on insulin for seniors and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, which she argued make a tangible difference in people’s lives. She highlighted the risk of returning to a time when these reforms might be rolled back under Trump’s administration, stressing the importance of voter engagement in safeguarding these achievements.
Addressing Misinformation: A significant theme throughout the discussion was the spread of misinformation, particularly concerning Harris’s record as a prosecutor and her past actions related to the incarceration of Black men. Charlamagne referenced claims that she targeted Black men for marijuana offenses in San Francisco, allegations that Harris refuted as false. She explained that she was one of the most progressive prosecutors in California regarding marijuana cases and has since advocated for federal marijuana reform. Harris also addressed misconceptions about the stimulus checks issued during the pandemic, clarifying that a Democrat-led Congress facilitated the relief despite Trump taking credit by placing his name on the checks.
Focus on Black Community Issues: Harris elaborated on her plans to support the Black community, detailing efforts to increase economic opportunities and address disparities. She outlined initiatives like a $25,000 down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers to close the homeownership gap between Black and white Americans. Harris also discussed her plans to provide more access to capital for Black entrepreneurs through forgivable loans, understanding that a lack of financial resources remains a significant barrier. Additionally, she emphasized the need to invest in health care access, particularly addressing conditions that disproportionately affect Black men, such as colon and prostate cancer.
Reparations and Historical Context: The question of reparations was raised, with Harris acknowledging the importance of studying the issue to address the lasting economic impact of slavery on Black Americans. While she did not commit to specific reparations measures, she positioned her broader economic agenda as a step towards rectifying historical injustices. This includes her plans for expanding access to homeownership, supporting small businesses, and tackling systemic inequalities in wealth-building opportunities.
Immigration Policies and National Security: Charlamagne pressed Harris on the Biden administration’s handling of immigration, especially in light of criticism from Trump and his allies. Harris defended the administration's efforts, noting that one of their first actions was to introduce a comprehensive immigration reform bill to address issues left unresolved by the previous administration. She criticized Trump’s approach, accusing him of deliberately blocking bipartisan solutions to immigration issues for political gain. She also emphasized that while the border remains a complex issue, meaningful reform is possible if Congress takes action.
Engagement with the Black Church: Harris addressed criticisms from Trump’s supporters regarding her engagement with the Black church. She highlighted her roots in the church and her ongoing collaboration with religious leaders, explaining that her connection to the church is a longstanding and integral part of her life and career. Harris framed the criticism as part of Trump's broader strategy to alienate her from a key part of her support base. She emphasized her commitment to working closely with church leaders to support community needs.
Confronting Trump’s Rhetoric and Threats to Democracy: Throughout the town hall, Harris and Charlamagne discussed the potential dangers of Trump’s rhetoric, including his suggestions of retribution and attacks on democratic institutions. Harris characterized Trump as a threat to democracy, referencing the January 6th Capitol attack and his calls for violence. She expressed concern that Trump’s plans, such as possibly terminating the Constitution, would undermine the rights and liberties protected by American democracy. Despite this, she stressed that it is up to voters to protect democracy through participation and engagement in the electoral process.
Police Brutality and Criminal Justice Reform: Harris also addressed concerns about police brutality and the struggle to pass meaningful reform, like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. She acknowledged that legislative efforts had stalled due to a lack of bipartisan support. Still, she highlighted actions the Biden administration took, such as issuing executive orders to restrict the use of chokeholds and establish a national database to track police misconduct. Harris emphasized that while progress is challenging, ongoing legislative and executive efforts are critical to achieving lasting change.
Economic Opportunities and Support for Black Entrepreneurs: Harris highlighted her economic plans to support small businesses, particularly those in the Black community. She discussed past efforts like the American Rescue Plan, which supported Black-owned businesses during the pandemic. Harris noted that access to capital remains a significant challenge for Black entrepreneurs, who historically receive only a small fraction of venture capital funding. She emphasized her plan to provide non-refundable loans to support business growth, aiming to remove financial barriers that prevent many from expanding or starting new ventures.
Overall, the town hall event allowed Harris to address pressing concerns directly, clarify her policy positions, and emphasize the importance of active voter participation in the upcoming election. She contrasted her vision with Trump’s and stressed the urgency of protecting democratic principles while offering a detailed account of her plans to support the Black community and tackle systemic inequalities. The dialogue underscored the central theme of progressing while recognizing the past's profound impact on present challenges.
Vice President Harris joins radio host Charlemagne Tha God for a town hall event broadcast in Detroit, MI
