What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
August 28, 2024 Recap
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on August 27-28, 2024, near Beijing, as part of ongoing efforts to manage the U.S.-China relationship responsibly. This meeting followed discussions between Presidents Biden and Xi at the November 2023 Woodside Summit, where both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication—the meeting aimed to address various bilateral, regional, and global issues.
The discussions were described as candid, substantive, and constructive. Both sides reviewed progress on commitments made during the Woodside Summit, including initiatives related to counternarcotics, military-to-military communications, and AI safety. They emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, with plans for a leader-level call in the coming weeks and a theater commander telephone call in the near future. Sullivan and Wang discussed specific steps to reduce the flow of illicit synthetic drugs, continue the repatriation of undocumented migrants, and enhance law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. They also underscored the significance of taking concrete actions to address the climate crisis. They supported continued dialogue during John Podesta’s upcoming visit to China as the Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.
Sullivan stressed that the United States would continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used in ways that could undermine national security while also ensuring that these measures do not excessively restrict trade or investment. He raised ongoing concerns about China’s unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices. Sullivan reiterated that resolving the cases of American citizens wrongfully detained or subject to exit bans in China remains a top priority for the U.S. government. He also reaffirmed the United State's longstanding commitment to universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The meeting also addressed regional security issues. Sullivan emphasized the need to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressed concern over China's support for Russia’s defense industrial base, which he argued could impact European and transatlantic security. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defending its Indo-Pacific allies and raised concerns about China's actions against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea. Additionally, the two sides discussed shared concerns regarding North Korea, Burma, and the Middle East.
Both Sullivan and Wang recognized the value of the strategic communication channel established over the past eighteen months and committed to maintaining high-level diplomatic engagement and ongoing consultations at the working level. This continued dialogue reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of managing the complex and multifaceted U.S.-China relationship.
In his remarks in Erie, Pennsylvania, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in American energy jobs and infrastructure. Zaidi emphasized the administration's efforts to recover from past economic crises and underinvestment, leading to the creation of 16 million jobs and the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years. He outlined specific examples of communities revitalized through clean energy initiatives, such as electric battery production, solar manufacturing, and nuclear plant maintenance.
Zaidi underscored the expansion of clean energy production, with America adding substantial capacity to the electricity grid, mostly from non-polluting sources. He noted breakthroughs in solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy, with new projects and factories revitalizing American manufacturing. A U.S. Department of Energy report showed over 250,000 new American energy jobs, with clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as the rest of the sector, particularly in Pennsylvania.
The speech also highlighted the administration’s focus on strengthening unions, with clean energy unionization rates at their highest level in history. Despite opposition from some political factions, Zaidi reaffirmed the administration's commitment to clean energy expansion, job growth, and economic revival, framing it as a comeback story driven by investment in America’s potential and possibilities.
President Biden has announced his intent to nominate three individuals to federal district courts, fulfilling his commitment to ensuring the judicial system reflects the nation's diversity. This marks his fifty-fourth round of judicial nominations, bringing the total to 257.
Elizabeth C. Coombe is nominated for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. Coombe has extensive experience in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, where she has served as First Assistant since 2018. Her career also includes roles at the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sarah M. Davenport is nominated for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. Davenport has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Mexico since 2009, with prior experience as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and law clerk.
Sharad H. Desai is nominated for the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. Desai currently serves as Vice President and General Counsel for Honeywell International’s Integrated Supply Chain and Information Technology divisions. His legal career includes roles at a Phoenix law firm and clerking for the Arizona Supreme Court.
These nominees are highlighted for their qualifications, experience, and commitment to the rule of law.
Addressing the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) Convention in Boston, Minnesota Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz emphasized the importance of active participation in politics and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights. He began by expressing his gratitude for being able to speak to the union members, praising IAFF President Edward Kelly and Secretary-Treasurer Frank Lima for their leadership in representing 350,000 firefighters. He also gave a special mention to Tom Thornberg, Vice President for the IAFF’s 5th District from Minnesota, acknowledging the contributions of all delegates present.
Walz stressed that political engagement is crucial despite the challenges, saying, "If you're not here advocating... it's hard to get it done." He drew a parallel with his background as a former state teachers' union member, expressing pride in his union membership. Walz mentioned a recent attack by the Wall Street Journal, which criticized him for having two defined benefit pension plans, which he contrasted with tech executives receiving stock options. He argued that more people should be "dues-paying members" to protect their rights and benefits.
Walz also spoke about his commitment to firefighters and their welfare. He shared a personal story about the loss of Chris Parsons, a firefighter and friend who died in the line of duty. Walz described Parsons as a standout figure in personality and stature and his loss as a heartbreak that "no family and no community should have to endure." He emphasized the courage and sacrifice of firefighters and reiterated his administration’s actions in Minnesota to support them, including investments in training, equipment, facilities, and comprehensive well-being legislation.
He commended Vice President Kamala Harris for her support of labor, highlighting her background as a native Californian familiar with the dangers of wildfires and her family connection to the firefighting community. Walz noted that as California Attorney General, Harris sued banks that mismanaged pension funds and returned millions to public workers, including firefighters. He also credited her for casting the deciding vote on the American Rescue Plan, which provided financial support to local fire departments, increased federal firefighter wages, and helped retain essential workers during the pandemic.
Walz contrasted the current administration's pro-labor stance with what he described as Donald Trump and JD Vance's anti-worker agenda. He criticized Trump for supporting "right to work" laws, blocking overtime benefits, opposing minimum wage increases, and proposing budget cuts for federal fire services. Walz warned of the consequences of Project 2025, a Republican initiative he claims aims to dismantle worker protections, cut taxes for the wealthy, and shift the financial burden onto the middle class. He stressed that these policies would hurt working families by eliminating collective bargaining rights and jeopardizing essential programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Walz reaffirmed his and Harris’s commitment to pro-labor policies, including signing the PRO Act to facilitate union organizing, protecting grants for local firefighters, and ensuring fair pay and safe working conditions. He also emphasized the need for corporations to pay their fair share of taxes and to preserve programs that benefit working families, such as the GI Bill, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and affordable childcare. He criticized efforts to undermine defined benefit pension plans and advocated for rebuilding the middle class by investing in it.
Walz concluded by appealing to the audience to stay engaged and united in the fight for worker rights and protections. He likened the political struggle to a sports analogy, comparing it to a "game seven of the World Series," where they have 69 days to fight for labor rights and elect leaders to protect workers’ interests. He expressed optimism in the ability of the union members to bring about change, emphasizing their history of resilience and advocacy. He ended with a rallying call inspired by Vice President Harris's mantra: "When we fight, we win."
During their visit to Liberty County High School in Hinesville, Georgia, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed a group of students to encourage and inspire them. Their speeches focused on leadership, teamwork, and the vital role of education in shaping future success.
Governor Walz, a former public school teacher and coach, opened his remarks by expressing gratitude to the school staff and students for hosting them. He highlighted his pride in his background in education and coaching, emphasizing that the work done in schools is fundamental to building the nation’s future. Walz praised the students for their dedication and talents, emphasizing how their combined contributions create something much larger and more meaningful, like a team or a band working together in harmony. He underscored that education is a critical pathway to the middle class and should provide opportunities without burdening students with debt. Reflecting on his experience, Walz emphasized that environments like these schools uplift spirits and foster a positive future for the country, aligning with Vice President Harris’s vision of joy and optimism in public service.
Vice President Harris followed with a message celebrating the students as emerging leaders and role models. She acknowledged their achievements and dedication, noting that their actions and teamwork are crucial for the country's progress. Harris told the students that their generation is pivotal in shaping the future, emphasizing that they are already leaders simply by engaging in their school communities and contributing to a larger purpose. Drawing from her experience as a band member during her youth, Harris used the metaphor of practice and perseverance to convey the importance of resilience. She encouraged the students to lead confidently without seeking anyone's permission and reminded them that they were setting examples for others in their families, neighborhoods, and communities.
Harris elaborated on great leadership qualities, including hard work, discipline, and teamwork. She acknowledged that sometimes they may face setbacks or challenges but urged them not to be discouraged. Instead, she emphasized the importance of pushing forward and staying dedicated to their goals, as these experiences help build character and strength. Harris concluded by expressing confidence in the students' potential to achieve great things for themselves and the country, reinforcing that they are integral to the nation’s future.
Governor Tim Walz, and Vice President Kamala Harris speak to students at Liberty County High School in Hinesville, GA
