At the 2024 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, President Biden delivered humorous remarks, jabs at political figures, and reflections on democracy. He opened with light-hearted comments about his ancestors and joked about opponents and political allies, including references to former President Trump and Vice President Pence. He praised the role of journalists, emphasizing the dangers and importance of their work in maintaining democracy, especially in the face of disinformation.
The President also used the platform to discuss serious themes, particularly the challenges facing American democracy and the role of the press in safeguarding it. He underscored the threats of authoritarian inclinations within political rivals and the significance of a free press in providing credible information. Concluding his speech, President Biden toasted a free press, an informed citizenry, and the enduring values of American democracy, reaffirming his commitment to these principles.
(Video of The President’s speech below)
President Biden had a discussion via teleconference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, reiterating the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security, especially after Iran's significant missile and drone attack. They reviewed ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of hostages and achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with a joint demand by President Biden and 17 other world leaders for Hamas to release captives promptly. The conversation also covered increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, including opening new northern crossings. The President emphasized the need for ongoing and enhanced cooperation with humanitarian organizations. Additionally, they discussed the situation at the Rafah crossing, with President Biden restating his clear stance on the issue.
President Biden commended the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Daimler for tentatively agreeing on a record contract. He highlighted the significance of UAW workers in constructing future-oriented trucks and school buses in the U.S. The agreement was presented as evidence of the effectiveness of collective bargaining, aligning with The President’s Investing in America agenda, which aimed to generate good jobs and foster a clean energy economy with robust, unionized middle-class employment.
The United Auto Workers successfully negotiated a tentative agreement with Daimler Truck, preventing a potential strike. The deal, affecting over 7,000 workers across various facilities in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, was announced by UAW President Shawn Fain. It promises significant wage increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and profit-sharing benefits. Specifically, the agreement outlines a minimum 25% wage increase over four years, with a 16% raise in the first year alone. This development is part of a broader unionization momentum within the auto industry, marked by recent successes at Volkswagen in Tennessee and upcoming unionization votes at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama.
Additional source: Detroit Free Press
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby appeared on ABC’s This Week With George Stephanopoulos, discussing Secretary Blinken's upcoming visit to the Middle East. He emphasized the push for a six-week temporary ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages and improve aid access in Gaza, particularly the northern regions. Kirby mentioned ongoing discussions with Israel regarding their military intentions, especially concerning Rafah, and highlighted the need for a shared understanding before any action is taken.
The conversation also covered the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Kirby noted the increase in aid truck deliveries and the construction of a new pier to enhance aid distribution. However, he acknowledged that ground routes remain irreplaceable for delivering aid.
On domestic issues, Kirby addressed the protests on U.S. college campuses related to the conflict in Gaza. He reiterated the administration's support for peaceful protests and condemned antisemitism and hate speech. He left the management of protests to local authorities but stressed the importance of maintaining peace during these events.
President Biden has officially declared a major disaster in Kansas due to a severe winter storm that struck from January 8 to January 16, 2024. This declaration releases federal funds to assist in recovery efforts in various counties, including Butler, Chase, and Shawnee. These funds, provided on a cost-sharing basis, will support emergency work and repair or replace facilities damaged by the storm. Additionally, funds are available for hazard mitigation measures throughout the state. Mr. DuWayne Tewes from FEMA has been appointed to oversee the federal recovery operations. Further support may be granted following additional damage assessments if deemed necessary.
President Biden declared a major disaster in Washington state due to severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from January 5 to January 29, 2024. This declaration enables federal assistance to support state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in affected areas, including Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Ferry, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Skagit, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Federal funding will cover emergency work, facility repairs, and hazard mitigation measures. Lance E. Davis from FEMA has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations, with the possibility of additional designations based on further damage assessments.
President Biden and SNL’s Colin Jost, 2024 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
President Biden at the podium during the 2024 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
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