On Friday President Joe Biden held an impromptu press conference just as Vice President Kamala Harris was taking the stage at a rally in Michigan. Harris began her speech at 2:04 PM EST, aiming to galvanize support in a key battleground state.But only two minutes later, Biden appeared at the White House briefing room—his first press conference there since taking office. Major networks quickly cut from Harris’ rally to cover Biden’s remarks, overshadowing her moment in the spotlight.Biden’s sudden appearance came at a crucial time for the administration, as the country faces multiple crises, including the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a port strike that threatened to cripple the economy, and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
When asked how Kamala “worked on these crises and what role she has played over the past several days,” Biden gave a surprising answer. “I’m in constant contact with her,” Biden said. “She’s aware – we’re all – we’re singing from the same song sheet.”
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Despite the president’s public words of support, some insiders say the timing of his press conference spoke louder than his “praise.” The move to overshadow Harris, who is seen as positioning herself for a presidential run, was viewed by many as a subtle way of undercutting her influence.
Kamala began speaking in Michigan at 2:04 EST
Biden went to the White House briefing room two minutes later for the first time since he took office.
All of the networks then cut from Kamala to Biden
Biden then said he and Kamala are “singing from the same song sheet. She’s a…
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 4, 2024
Reporters pressed Biden on the specific role Harris has played in managing the country’s recent crises. When asked how Harris has handled the hurricane response, the port strike, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Biden insisted that she has been fully engaged. “I’m in constant contact with her,” he said. “Her staff is interlocked with mine in terms of all the things we’re doing.”
This all comes after Biden dropped out of the 2024 race in July following a widely criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump. While Biden’s official exit from the race was attributed to health concerns, many saw his dismal debate showing as a clear signal that he lacked the stamina for a second term. Meanwhile, the crises Biden referenced in his remarks continue to unfold. At least 223 people have died in the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida on September 26. Many communities remain isolated without power, and communication has been spotty in the hardest-hit areas.
In labor news, striking members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) reached a tentative agreement with management on Thursday, ending a port strike that had disrupted supply chains. “Today’s tentative agreement on a record wage and an extension of the collective bargaining process represents critical progress towards a strong contract,” Biden said on Thursday. “I congratulate the dockworkers from the ILA, who deserve a strong contract after sacrificing so much to keep our ports open during the pandemic. And I applaud the port operators and carriers who are members of the US Maritime Alliance for working hard and putting a strong offer on the table.”
In the Middle East, Israel’s military operation in Lebanon escalated after Iran fired hundreds of missiles into the country earlier this week, in retaliation for a series of Israeli assassinations targeting Hezbollah leaders. Biden offered little comment on these developments.
