What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
August 2, 2024 Recap
Just before midnight on August 1, President Biden and Vice President Harris addressed the press at Joint Base Andrews regarding the return of Americans detained in Russia. President Biden expressed a sense of joy and satisfaction, acknowledging the lengthy and challenging process. He emphasized the critical role of alliances, highlighting the significant contributions of Germany and Slovenia. Biden noted that the toughest part of the negotiations involved asking these countries to make difficult decisions against their immediate self-interests. He praised the Chancellor of Slovenia for his crucial last-minute involvement.
When asked about his message to countries that detain Americans for leverage, Biden reiterated that historically, this has been an issue. Still, his administration's duty is to prevent such detentions and secure the release of Americans. He emphasized the importance of citizens adhering to travel advisories to avoid dangerous situations. Biden also expressed significant concern about the Middle East, mentioning direct talks with regional leaders and pushing for a ceasefire. He acknowledged that recent events, such as the assassination of Haniyeh, had complicated the situation.
Reflecting on the personal impact of the detainees' return, Biden spoke about his emotional reaction to seeing the three Americans come off the plane, feeling relief for their families. He stressed the importance of personal relationships in foreign policy and credited the trust and cooperation with other leaders for the successful negotiations. Biden reiterated the unparalleled capacity of the United States when acting together, highlighting the country's resilience and unity. He underscored the importance of family, reflecting on how the detention and return of the Americans affected their loved ones.
Vice President Harris called the day extraordinary, praising President Biden’s career-long dedication to diplomacy. She highlighted his ability to unify allies for common causes and emphasized the emotional responses of the families involved. Harris stressed the significance of diplomacy and alliances, reflecting on the administration’s success in rallying international support for the detainees' release. She acknowledged the strength derived from diplomatic efforts and the importance of having a president skilled in these areas.
In conclusion, the release of Americans detained in Russia was a significant diplomatic achievement involving complex negotiations and the support of international allies, particularly Germany and Slovenia. President Biden and Vice President Harris highlighted the emotional and personal aspects of the event, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting American citizens abroad. The event showcased the power of diplomacy and international cooperation, reinforcing the values of trust, unity, and family as central to American identity and policy.
President Biden highlighted the achievements and ongoing efforts of his administration in a statement on the July Jobs Report. Since he and Vice President Harris took office, the economy has created nearly 16 million jobs, and the average unemployment rate has been the lowest in 50 years. Incomes have risen faster than prices, and employment continues to grow gradually as inflation declines significantly. Biden attributes strong business investment to the administration's "investing in America" agenda, which is creating good-paying jobs in communities that have been left behind. Despite this progress, the President acknowledges that prices are still too high and emphasizes the administration's commitment to fighting price gouging, capping prescription drug costs, and building more homes to lower costs. He contrasts these efforts with the actions of Congressional Republicans, whom he accuses of siding with special interests, pushing for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations, and threatening Social Security and Medicare. Biden asserts that while Republicans try to revert to past policies, his administration remains focused on fighting for the future and supporting the middle class.
President Biden issued a proclamation on National Health Center Week 2024, highlighting the critical role of federally funded community health centers in providing affordable and quality healthcare to over 30 million Americans, particularly in underserved, rural, and Tribal communities.
The proclamation recognizes the efforts of the nearly 1,400 community health centers and their staff in delivering essential medical, dental, and behavioral health services. It underscores the Biden administration's investments in expanding these centers and lowering healthcare costs, with a focus on making healthcare a right, not a privilege. The proclamation also emphasizes the administration's achievements in strengthening the Affordable Care Act, reducing prescription drug costs for seniors, and expanding access to healthcare services. The week of August 4-10, 2024, is officially proclaimed as National Health Center Week to honor and support these vital institutions.
In a brief exchange with reporters before his departure from the White House to Wilmington, DE, President Biden addressed several questions. When asked about Vice President Harris's potential choice for a running mate, he confirmed he had spoken with her but did not disclose any details, emphasizing that she would handle it herself. He was also asked about the situation in Israel and Gaza, as well as the case of Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher imprisoned in Russia. Biden assured that efforts were ongoing to secure Fogel's release but declined to provide specifics to avoid jeopardizing the situation.
President Biden announced a Presidential Delegation to attend the inauguration of His Excellency Luis Abinader as the President of the Dominican Republic on August 16, 2024. The delegation will be led by Jennifer M. Granholm, the U.S. Secretary of Energy. Other members include Patricia Aguilera (Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo), Tom Perez (Senior Advisor to the President), Alejandra Y. Castillo (Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development), Chris Dodd (Special Presidential Advisor for the Americas), and Daniel P. Erikson (Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council).
National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Phil Gordon, hosted a meeting with ambassadors from various Western Hemisphere countries to discuss the political situation in Venezuela. He expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people for their participation in the recent presidential election and emphasized the U.S. commitment to supporting democratic norms in Venezuela. Dr. Gordon reiterated the U.S. stance that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in the election and commended countries that supported an Organization of American States resolution to investigate the election. He called for a peaceful transition in line with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.
Vice President Harris has secured enough delegates to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major U.S. political party's ticket. After President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed her, she ran unopposed in a virtual roll call, officially becoming the nominee after reaching the required 2,350 delegates. Harris's nomination comes amid pressure for an early roll call due to state ballot access laws, with the Democratic National Convention set for later this month.
Source: BBC
President Biden and Vice President Harris greet former detainee Evan Gershkovich at Joint Base Andrews
Simply outstanding diplomatic achievement! Thank you President Biden. A day filled with joy from the families of the homecoming heroes. Yes, heroes. God be with you all.