Thread: President Joe Biden

ABC's George Stephanopoulos' exclusive interview with President Biden: Full transcript

Biden is tired of complaining from the 'elite' among his party colleagues: 'Then stand up to me!'


After the debate against Donald Trump, the talk about the president's health has been on everyone's lips.


Biden's health will no doubt also take up space at this week's NATO summit in Washington D.C., which Biden is hosting.

OF

Rasmus Christiansen
Biden er traet af brok fra '''eliten''' blandt partifaellerne: '''Sa stil op imod mig!''' | Valg i USA | DR


Even though the debate against Donald Trump was on June 27, Joe Biden's performance and physical appearance in the debate continue to fill all the world's media.

Read Also: 'It was by far the most unpleasant, horrible debate I've seen'

And the debate will certainly also be one of the top items on the agenda when Biden's party colleagues in the Democratic Party meet today in the two chambers of Congress - the House of Representatives and the Senate - for the first time since a vacation.

The meetings were planned before the debate, but it is clearly the one that has taken up the focus of the meetings. Several Democrats have asked Biden to withdraw from the campaign against Trump after the debate.

This prompted the president to counterattack on Monday.

Unsatisfied? Then stand up to me!


He did so, both in a letter he sent to the Democrats before today's meeting, and in an interview with MSNBC's morning program 'Morning Joe', where the president called in.

- I get so tired of the elite in the party, who are oh so smart. If they think I shouldn't run, then stand up to me. Do it. Say, you want to be president, and run against me at our convention," Biden told the TV channel, adding:

- I'm not going anywhere. I'm not lost and I haven't lost — I beat Trump last time and I'm going to beat him this time.

The Democratic convention, where the presidential candidate is officially appointed by the party, will take place in August.







While the discussions about health are ongoing, Joe Biden continues his election campaign and visits Democratic voters. (Photo: © Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press)
In the letter to Democrats, Biden emphasizes that he is "not blind" to the concerns that are weighing among fellow party members, allies and advisers.

Men:

"I would not run again if I did not fully believe that I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024," Biden writes in the letter.

Bickering over doctor's visits


Biden's health was also the big topic when the White House's daily press briefing took place on Monday evening.

Here, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked several times by a reporter from The New York Times if she could confirm that Dr. Kevin Cannard - a neurologist specializing in motion disorders such as Parkinson's - had visited the White House eight times since last summer. A story the newspaper ran on Monday.

To this, Karine Jean-Pierre replied that Biden had visited a neurologist three times in connection with an annual medical examination of the president.

- Has he been or is he being treated for Parkinson's? No. Does he take medication for Parkinson's? No, she added.







White House press spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre during Monday's press briefing. (Photo: © JIM WATSON, Ritzau Scanpix)
But the political journalists were not satisfied with those answers. And it ended in a scuffle between the press secretary and CBS News' political reporter Ed O'Keefe.

Ed O' Keefe repeated the New York Times reporter's question about whether Kevin Cannard had visited the president eight times.

Here Karine Jean-Pierre answered:

"Every time Biden had a physical exam, he visited a neurologist. That answers the question.

No, it doesn't. Did Kevin Cannard visit the president eight times?

- I've told you, Ed, that we can't share names for security reasons...

But is it publicly available information that he was visiting?

- Ed, I hear you, but I can't confirm that for people's privacy. I think they will appreciate that...

But I could look it up myself just before, it's publicly available...

- Wait a minute, there's no need to use the aggressive tone towards me.

You can see the bickering in the video clip here:



Stoltenberg stays out of the debate


Biden's health will no doubt also take up space at this week's NATO summit in Washington D.C., which starts today and is hosted by Biden. The heads of state and government of the 32 NATO countries will celebrate the alliance's 75th anniversary and, among many topics, discuss aid to Ukraine.

Before Biden headed to Washington on Sunday after an election event in Pennsylvania, he was asked by a reporter if he should convince the participants at the NATO meeting that he was capable of doing his job.

"I am," Biden replied and gave a thumbs up before boarding Air Force One with first lady Jill Biden.



Even before the meeting, several of the participants, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, have been asked about Biden's health.

"From the many conversations I have had with the American president, I know that he has prepared very well and accurately for this summit with us," Scholz said, according to the Reuters news agency.

According to Reuters, Stoltenberg avoided answering directly the question of whether he believes Biden is "mentally and physically capable of leading the largest nuclear-armed NATO army for the next four-and-a-half years."

"One of the reasons why NATO is a success is that we always stay out of internal political issues. And if I say something that in any way can connect me to a political debate in a member state, I make the alliance weaker," Stoltenberg replied.

Live updates: Democrats voice support for Biden at closed-door meeting

Democrats back Biden in lopsided internal debate

Democrats emerging from a closed-door meeting Tuesday to discuss President Biden’s political future offered support for their party leader a day after the White House’s full-court press to beat back critics within his party, even as some detractors pushed for a reset.

In a meeting that ran for roughly two hours, the debate was lopsided in favor of keeping the president on the ticket — a dynamic suggesting that Biden has, at least for now, prevented the slow seep of individual detractors from becoming a flood.

“I feel we’ve hit a turning point,” Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), who is backing Biden, said after the meeting. “As the President said, I think yesterday, it’s been 10, 11 days or so since the debate and it’s time to move on. And I think that’s where many more members are today than they were last week.”

Bera confident Dems can win House with Biden atop ticket

Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) said he’s confident Democrats can win back the House even if Biden remains at the top of the ticket.

Clyburn: 'We’re riding with Biden'

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), who is widely credited with saving Biden’s nomination through his endorsement in 2020, put himself squarely behind Biden.

“We’re riding with Biden,” he told reporters.

Nadler: Biden 'is our nominee and we've got to elect him'

More expressions of support for Biden

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), the former House majority leader, said he “absolutely” supports Biden.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) says she spoke in the meeting and backs Biden. “I do.”

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) says he supports Biden. “Oh yeah. Absolutely.”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said, “I have clearly expressed that Joe Biden is, should be, and will be our nominee.”

Escobar 'absolutely' standing behind Biden

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), a member of Democratic leadership, says she is supporting Biden.

“Yes, absolutely,” she said.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Monday both amplified previous statements of support for Biden, the party’s presumptive nominee, despite the backlash from the debate.

“I made clear the day after the debate publicly that I support President Joe Biden and the Democratic ticket,” Jeffries told reporters in the Capitol. “My position has not changed.”

Ocasio-Cortez backing Biden: ‘The matter is closed’

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) reaffirmed her support for President Biden on Monday as calls from Democrats for him to step aside as the party’s presumptive nominee for the White House have increased.

“I have spoken to the president over the weekend. I have spoken with him extensively,” Ocasio-Cortez told reporters outside the Capitol on Monday evening. “He made clear then — and he has made clear since — that he is in this race.”

“The matter is closed,” she continued. “He had reiterated that this morning. He has reiterated that to the public. Joe Biden is our nominee. He is not leaving this race. He is in this race, and I support him.”

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NATO meets in Washington

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began its 75th anniversary summit in Washington on Tuesday. The organization's secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, arrived in the United States on Monday and met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

"Stoltenberg thanked Secretary Austin for his commitment to NATO and his strong personal leadership on Ukraine, stating that it 'really made a difference and enabled all of us to provide unprecedented support to Ukraine,'" NATO explained in a press release posted on its official website.

While it expects the organization to reaffirm its support for Ukraine, the summit will also be marked by uncertainty in the country regarding Joe Biden's candidacy that has been questioned not only by Republicans but also by several Democrats.

And the summit comes at a time when there are increasing calls for Biden to drop out of the race for reelection after the disastrous debate in late June in which he was seen tired and confused in front of former President Donald Trump, who seeks to return to the White House.

Meanwhile, the current White House tenant appears confident of his leadership and maintained that he hopes to put this on display before NATO member countries

"Our allies expect American leadership," Biden said on MSNBC on Monday, recalling that during his term the alliance has expanded.

Without giving details, Biden also pledged Monday that he would announce with NATO allies "new measures to strengthen Ukraine's air defense" to help protect its cities and civilians from Russian attacks, according to remarks reported by AFP.

Democrats after meeting: Discussions will continue throughout the week

OF
Rasmus Christiansen




US President Biden's health had taken a lot of focus before today's meeting among his fellow Democratic Party members. Before the meeting, which was scheduled before Biden's criticized performance against Trump in the June 27 debate, several Democrats had called on Biden to resign — which he has denied.

Today, the Democrats have had the opportunity to "express their opinion in an honest and proper manner." This is what the minority leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, said at a press briefing after the meeting. Jeffries did not answer whether anything was agreed upon at the meeting.

"These discussions will continue throughout the week," Jeffries said.

According to several Democratic members, no major decisions were made or agreed upon at the meeting, writes CNN.

Democratic leader backs Biden: 'I'm with Joe'

OF
Nanna Nørby Hansen




The Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, is behind Joe Biden as the party's presidential candidate in the November election.

He said this evening Danish time at a press conference, writes Politico.

"As I've said before, I'm with Joe," the Democrat said when asked if Joe Biden has what it takes to beat Republican Donald Trump in the election.

However, he would not elaborate further on what he thinks about Joe Biden's re-election, writes Politico.

According to Politico, no Senate Democrats have publicly asked Biden to withdraw his candidacy, but several have expressed concerns about whether he is able to take four more years as president after he participated in a debate against Donald Trump.

Biden himself has repeatedly refused to back down.

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Political leaders should be careful with trusting senators too much

Biden is handing the country to Trump, its like a slow car crash

​

Biden delivers remarks at NATO summit on alliance's 75th anniversary

Biden awards Medal of Freedom to NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg

President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg Tuesday in a surprise announcement during the conclusion of his remarks at the alliance's summit.

Why it matters: The flagship award is the highest civilian honor in the U.S. and comes as Stoltenberg has led NATO through a turbulent period amid Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine.

What they're saying: "You put your own plans on hold when the Russian war on Ukraine began," Biden said. "You didn't hesitate. Today, NATO is stronger, smarter and more energized than when you began.

• "The whole world will reap the rewards of your labor for years to come in the form of security, opportunity and greater freedom," Biden continued, characterizing Stoltenberg as "a man of integrity and intellectual rigor, calm temperament in a moment of crisis, a consummate diplomat who works with leaders across the political spectrum."

The big picture: The Norwegian diplomat has led the Western alliance for a decade. Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will take over the role in October.

• Since Stoltenberg assumed his position at the helm of the now 32-member alliance, he has overseen the accession of four new nations — Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden — and had his tenure extended several times.
• He has walked the delicate line of bolstering support for besieged Ukraine, which is not a member state, while President Zelensky advocates for his country to be welcomed into the alliance.

Between the lines: Biden's honor for Stoltenberg is a stark juxtaposition from former President Trump's repeated jabs at NATO, which have sowed anxiety among world leaders as a potential second Trump presidency looms.

• At a campaign rally earlier this year, Trump recalled telling the leader of an unnamed NATO member that he would "encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to that nation if did not meet its defense spending obligations (members nations are expected to allocate 2% of their GDP to their military).
• While legislation passed last year limits Trump's ability to unilaterally pull the U.S. from NATO, he still could undermine the relationships protected by the treaty or attempt to cut U.S. contributions to the combined budget — an approach he attempted to take in 2019.

Biden aimed to prove US and global doubters wrong with NATO speech

With the eyes of the world on him, President Joe Biden delivered a forceful speech to open the NATO summit in Washington, aiming to reverse doubts about his fitness for the job domestically while boasting that his leadership revitalized the storied alliance and saved Ukraine.

The address, which kicked off three days of high-profile meetings in the steamy U.S. capital, served as both a political and geopolitical test for Biden. With every speech, he must prove that age is just a number and that his shambolic debate performance against former President Donald Trump was a one-off bad night. And with every appearance at the NATO Summit this week, Biden must demonstrate he can still rally allies to Ukraine’s cause for the long haul.

“Ukraine can and will stop Putin,” he said at the ornate Mellon Auditorium in Washington. “Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail.”

The president didn’t fumble over words as he often does during remarks. He was clear and forceful, appearing energized by the transatlanticism that he has embraced throughout his political career.

The speech was more than atmospherics. Biden used the occasion to announce the delivery of new air defenses for Ukraine, one of Kyiv’s top requests for this summit. The U.S. and four NATO allies — the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Romania — will this year send four Patriot air-defense systems and related components as well as one SAMP/T system. In the coming months, Washington and its partners will also deliver dozens more tactical air-defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s security and expect to make similar announcements later in the year.

A critical part of the new assistance package will see some countries who have ordered air defense missiles from U.S. companies bumped down the list, as supplying those interceptors to Ukraine will take priority.

“Make no mistake: Russia is failing in this war,” Biden declared before noting that 350,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded, with another 1 million people fleeing the country. “When this senseless war began, Ukraine was a free country. Today, it’s still a free country, and the war will end with Ukraine remaining a free and independent country.”

In a joint statement released shortly after Biden’s remarks, the president and the leaders of the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Romania and Ukraine said: “Our message to Moscow and the world is clear: Our support for Ukraine is strong and unwavering.”

The move ends months of a U.S.-led search for air-defense systems to send to Ukraine and negotiations over how to procure them. Some nations didn’t want to part with the sophisticated defensive weapons, at least not before figuring out how to replace them. Last week, a senior Biden administration official told POLITICO “we’re shaking the hell out of the trees, and we’re going to get the highest number that we can.”

A boost in air-defenses was high on Ukraine’s list, as Russia’s superior arsenal allowed it to bombard cities and key military targets. On Monday, Russia overwhelmed Ukraine’s defenses in Kyiv, launching a deadly strike on a children’s hospital — one of Europe’s largest — leading surviving patients to receive cancer treatments on the street.

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, told POLITICO reporters before the announcement that he was pleased his country would get more support, but he lamented that the delivery was unnecessarily “delayed” and should’ve been completed much sooner. “Now it’s necessary to close our cities,” he said, claiming these and future air-defense system transfers will better protect against Russian missiles and deter future barrages.

Biden will continue to be under a microscope this week as he manages a busy schedule, including a jam-packed Wednesday and a rare news conference on Thursday, when he will face questions about his age and mental acuity.

Originally Posted by helge

Democratic leader backs Biden: 'I'm with Joe'

The response from the White House, to the calls for Biden to step down.

Starmer looks ahead to first meeting with Biden

Sir Keir Starmer will have his first face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden in the White House later.

The prime minister travelled to the US overnight for a Nato summit, on the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Speaking on the plane, Sir Keir told reporters he hopes the bilateral in Washington DC will be a chance to talk about Nato and the so-called UK-US special relationship.

“This is obviously a very special relationship we have between the UK and the US,” he said, adding there was “a special aspect when it comes to defence and security for obvious reasons, including our commitment to Nato”.

He also told journalists that the UK had a "cast-iron commitment" to spend 2.5% of national income on defence but avoided putting a deadline on when that would be met.

A review of defence capabilities, to be ordered by the new government, will set out a roadmap towards reaching the target.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Sir Keir Starmer will have his first face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden

And last

Biden will be gone in 10 days

President Biden Participates in Working Session I of the NATO Summit

President Biden Hosts a Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom

Remarks by President Biden on the 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Alliance

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Welcome.

In 1949, when leaders of 12 countries, including President Truman, came together in this very room, history was watching.

It had been four years since the surrender of the Axis powers and the end of the most devastating world war the world had ever, ever known.

Here, these 12 leaders gathered to make a sacred pledge to defend each other against aggression, provide their collective security, and to answer threats as one, because they knew to prevent future wars, to protect democracies, to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace and prosperity, they needed a new approach. They needed to combine their strengths. They needed an alliance.

And here, they signed the Washington Treaty and created the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the single greatest, most effective defensive alliance in the history of the world.

Mr. Secretary-General, leaders of NATO countries, foreign and defense ministers, representatives from partner nations and the European Union, and members of Congress, distinguished guests, welcome — welcome to the 2024 NATO Summit. It’s a pleasure. (Applause.)

It’s a pleasure to host you in this milestone year to look back with pride at all we’ve achieved and look ahead to our shared future with strength and with resolve.

Together, we rebuilt Europe from the ruins of war, held high the torch of liberty during long decades of the Cold War.

When former adversaries became fellow democracies, we welcomed them into the Alliance.

When war broke out in the Balkans, we intervened to restore peace and stop ethnic cleansing.

And when the United States was attacked on September 11th, our NATO Allies — all of you — stood with us, invoking Article 5 for the first time in NATO history, treating an attack on us as an attack on all of us — a breathtaking display of friendship that the American people will never ever, ever forget.

Through all this history, when great changes occurred, people would ask, “Can NATO adapt?” And every time, we proved we could adapt. And we did: evolving our strategies to stay ahead of threats, reaching out to new partners to increase our effectiveness.

And here with us — and here with us today are countries from the Indo-Pacific region. They’re here because they have a stake in our success and we have a stake in theirs.

Today, NATO is more powerful than ever: 32 nations strong. For years, Finland and Sweden were among our closest partners. Now they have chosen to officially join NATO. And because of the power and meaning of Article 5 guarantee — that’s the reason. It was the most important aspect of the Alliance in 1949, and it is still the most important aspect.

I’d also note Finland and Sweden joined the Alliance not just because their leaders sought it, because their citizens called for it in overwhelming numbers.

And remember: NATO’s character is fundamentally democratic. Always has been and always must continue to be.

And today, NATO is better resourced than it ever has been.

I want to pause on this because it’s significant.

In the year 2020, the year I was — the year I was elected president, only nine NATO Allies were spending 2 percent of their defense — GDP on defense.

This year, 23 will spend at least 2 percent. (Applause.) And some will spend more than that.

And the remaining countries that have not yet reached that milestone will get there soon.

It’s remarkable progress — proof that our commitment is broad and deep, that we’re ready, that we’re willing, and we’re able to deter aggression and defend every inch of NATO territory across every domain: land, air, sea, cyber, and space.

My friends, it’s good that we’re stronger than ever, because this moment in history calls for our collective strength.

Autocrats want to overturn global order, which has by and large kept for nearly 80 years and counting.

Terrorist groups continue to plot evil schemes to cause mayhem and chaos and suffering.

In Europe, Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues. And Putin wants nothing less — nothing less than Ukraine’s total subjugation; to end Ukraine’s democracy; to destroy Uraine’s cul- — Uraine — Ukraine’s culture; and to wipe Ukraine off the map.

And we know Putin won’t stop at Ukraine. But make no mistake, Ukraine can and will stop Putin — (applause) — especially with our full, collective support. And they have our full support.

Even before Russian bombs were falling on Ukraine, the Alliance acted. Or- — I ordered the U.S. reinforcements at NATO’s eastern flank — more troops, more aircraft, more capabilities. And now the United States has more than 100,000 troops on the continent of Europe.

NATO moved swiftly as well, not only reinforcing the four existing battle groups of the east but also adding four more in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, essentially doubling NATO’s strength on the eastern flank.

Together, we’ve built a global coalition to stand with Ukraine. Together, we’ve provided significant economic and humanitarian assistance. And together, we’ve supplied Ukraine with weapons it needs to defend itself: tanks, armored fighting vehicles, air defense systems, long-range missiles, and millions of munitions.

The United States and nearly two dozen Allied partners have signed the bilateral security agreements with Ukraine and more countries will follow.

Today, I’m announcing the historic donation of air defense equipment for Ukraine. The United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy will provide Ukraine with the equipment for five additional strategic air defense systems.

And in the coming months, the United States and our partners intend to provide Ukraine with dozens of additional tactical air defense systems.

The United States will make sure that when we export critical air defense interceptors, Ukraine goes to the front of the line. (Applause.) They will get this assistance before anyone else gets it.

All told, Ukraine will receive hundreds of additional interceptors over the next year, helping protect Ukrainian cities against Russian missiles and Ukrainian troops facing air attacks on the front lines.

Make no mistake, Russia is failing in this war. More than two years into Putin’s war of choice, his losses are staggering: more than 350,000 Russian troops dead or wounded; nearly 1 million Russians, many of them young people, have left Russia because they no longer see a future in Russia.

And Kyiv — remember, fellows and ladies — was supposed to fall in five days. Remember? Well, it’s still standing two and a half years later and will continue to stand. (Applause.)

All the Allies knew that before this war, Putin thought NATO would break. Today, NATO is stronger than it’s ever been in its history.

When this senseless war began, Ukraine was a free country. Today, it is still a free country, and the war will end with Ukraine remaining a free and independent country. (Applause.)

Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail. (Applause.)

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a pivotal moment for Europe, for the transatlantic community, and, I might add, for the world.

Let’s remember: The fact that NATO remains the bulwark of global security did not happen by accident. It wasn’t inevitable. Again and again, at critical moments, we chose unity over disunion, progress over retreat, freedom over tyranny, and hope over fear.

Again and again, we stood behind our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous transatlantic community.

Here at this summit, we gather to proclaim NATO is ready and able to secure that vision today and well into the future. (Applause.)

Let me say this. An overwhelming bipartisan majority of Americans understand that NATO makes us all safer. The fact that both Democratic and Republican parties are represented here today is a testament to that fact.

The American people know that all the progress we’ve made in the past 75 years has happened behind the shield of NATO.

And the American people understand what would happen if there was no NATO: another war in Europe, American troops fighting and dying, dictators spreading chaos, economic collapse, catastrophe.

Americans, they know we’re stronger with our friends. And we understand this is a sacred obligation.

As President Reagan put it, and I quote, “If our fellow democracies are not secure, we cannot be secure. If you are threatened, we are threatened. And if you are not at peace, we cannot be at peace.”

Reagan knew it then, and we know it now. Our nations will continue to keep faith with what we’ve pledged in the years to come.

Now, if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to end my remarks a slightly unusual way.

NATO is an alliance of nations but also made up of leaders. And one person in particular has done an extraordinary job leading NATO for the last decade: Secretary-General Stoltenberg.

Will you come forward? (Applause.)

So much of the progress we’ve made in the Alliance is thanks to the secretary. He’s a man of integrity and intellectual rigor, a calm temperament in a moment of crisis, a consummate diplomat who works with leaders across the political spectrum and always finds a way to keep us moving forward.

Mr. Secretary, you’ve guided this alliance through one of the most consequential periods in its history. I realize I — as I was talking to your wife — I personally asked you to extend your service. (Laughs.) Forgive me. (Laughter.) And you put your own plans on hold.

When the Russian war on Ukraine began, you didn’t hesitate. Today, NATO is stronger, smarter, and more energized than when you began. And a billion people across Europe and North America and, indeed, the whole world will reap the rewards of your labor for years to come in the form of security, opportunity, and greater freedoms.

For these reasons, I am pleased to award you the highest civilian honor that the United States can bestow: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Ask the mili- — (applause) — military aide to come forward — (applause) — and ask him to read the citation. (Applause.)

MILITARY AIDE: The president of the Unites States of America awards this Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jens Stoltenberg. A visionary statesman and ceaseless defender of democracy, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has guided the NATO Alliance through the most consequential decade for European security since World War II.

When Vladimir Putin launched his brutal assault on the people of Ukraine, betting that NATO would break, Secretary-General Stoltenberg proved him wrong. Under his stewardship, NATO has become stronger and more united than ever, and Americans for generations to come will benefit from the safer world he helped create.

He demonstrates that the core truth of the Alliance is as powerful now as it was 75 years ago: Together, we are stronger. (Applause.)

Originally Posted by longway

Back again? You should think about reintroducing yourself.

Why don’t you start a travel thread in the Philippine Forum here at TD and share with everyone how you would exploit oppressed, vulnerable women in the Philippines?

I am sure everyone here at TD would like to hear how you would put your young (female) guides lives at risk.

__________

Little news……

S&P 500, Nasdaq Close at Record Highs Again

A few other items which happened under Biden

Lowering Costs of Families’ Everyday Expenses

More People Are Working Than At Any Point in American History

Making More in America

Rescued the Economy and Changed the Course of the Pandemic

Rebuilding our Infrastructure

Historic Expansion of Benefits and Services for Toxic Exposed Veterans

The First Meaningful Gun Violence Reduction Legislation in 30 Years

Protected Marriage for LGBTQI+ and Interracial Couples

Historic Confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Federal Judges of Diverse Backgrounds

Rallied the World to Support Ukraine in Response to Putin’s Aggression

Strengthened Alliances and Partnerships to Deliver for the American People

Successful Counterterrorism Missions Against the Leaders of Al Qaeda and ISIS

Executive Orders Protecting Reproductive Rights

Historic Student Debt Relief for Middle- and Working-Class Families

Ending our Failed Approach to Marijuana

Advancing Equity and Racial Justice, Including Historic Criminal Justice Reform

Delivering on the Most Aggressive Climate and Environmental Justice Agenda in American History

More People with Health Insurance Than Ever Before

Lowering Costs of Families’ Everyday Expenses

The Inflation Reduction Act (Clean energy)

US President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Readout of President Biden’s Meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine

President Joseph R. Biden met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine today to underscore the strong and abiding U.S. support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom. The leaders discussed Ukraine’s self-defense against Russian aggression, including plans for the coming year. President Biden announced a new package of security assistance for Ukraine and reiterated the critical need for immediate Congressional action to ensure we can continue to support Ukraine’s defense. He also stressed the growing cooperation between U.S. and Ukrainian defense industries, enhanced by the successful U.S.-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference last week. President Zelenskyy briefed President Biden on Ukraine’s use of the corridor in the Black Sea to export its grain and other products, alleviating global food security concerns and contributing to Ukraine’s tax base. President Biden stressed that Russia will not outlast the collective support for Ukraine by a coalition of over fifty countries brought together by U.S. leadership in defense of a rules-based international order based on a respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

Watch live: Biden holds press conference at NATO Summit tonight

Biden's press conference is scheduled to start at 6:30pm ET Thursday, July 11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

5 takeaways from Biden’s pivotal press conference


Biden doesn’t sound like he is going anywhere

Hakeem Jeffries says he met with president; big Democratic donors reportedly freeze money in objection to Biden candidacy – live

Hakeem Jeffries says he met with president; big Democratic donors reportedly freeze money in objection to Biden candidacy – live | US elections 2024 | The Guardian




House leader shared Democrats’ ‘insight, heartfelt perspectives and conclusions about the path forward’ with Biden; about $90 million of Biden’s campaign funds reportedly frozen