As expected, President Joe Biden came up with vaccine news at his first official White House press conference: The United States is aiming to deliver 200 million doses over the next 35 days.
Just updated
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From the East Room in the White House, Biden started the press conference with the big news:
In December, he revealed the goal of setting 100 million vaccine doses by day 100 of the presidency.
That goal has now been doubled.
Over the next 35 days, the goal is to reach 200 million doses. The original goal was reached last week.
DEBUT: Joe Biden during his first official press conference as president on Thursday. Photo: LEAH MILLIS / REUTERS / NTB
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– I know that this is ambitious – to double the goal. No other country is nearby, the president said.
Positions in 2024
– My plan is to run for re-election. That is what I envision, Biden told the press corps.
He also believes that it will be with today’s vice president Kamala Harris:
– She does a good job. She is a good partner.
Biden spoke at length about China at the press conference. This applied to both trade rules across national borders and human rights violations. He spoke about the importance of democracies such as Australia, India, Japan and the United States cooperating.
– We will ensure that China is held accountable and follow the rules, Biden said.
Warns North Korea
After North Korea fired two ballistic missiles in less than a week, the US president warns:
– We are cooperating with our allies and partners, and there will be consequences if this situation escalates. We will respond in the same way.
100 million payments
Biden also spoke about the American crisis packages at the press conference:
– More than 100 million payments of 1400 dollars have so far been transferred to people’s bank accounts. This is real money right in the pockets of people, who bring relief almost immediately. And millions will get their money’s worth very soon.
Biden said that they have soon reopened more than half of the schools for children between 5 and 14 years for students.
– We are approaching that more than half are open. I believe that within the next 35 days we will be able to reach this goal as well.
—-DONE: The President on his way out after the press conference. Photo: LEAH MILLIS / REUTERS / NTB
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Immigration
About the immigrants who reach the American border from Mexico, Biden said:
– Tens of thousands of people who are over 18 and come alone – they are sent back to their homes. The vast majority of the families who come – they are sent back. We are working to get Mexico to accept more of these families. And the children who come alone – here we work quickly to rebuild the system.
The treatment the United States provides to children who come as immigrants has received much criticism. Biden was asked what he thinks about the conditions at one of these facilities in Texas:
– It is completely unacceptable, Biden said, and said that work is being done to change this. He also promised the media access to these facilities on the border with Mexico.
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