It’s Monday.
For Monday, December 6th, 2021, President has received his daily brief. In the afternoon President Biden will deliver remarks on the Build Back Better Act.
President Biden’s remarks are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. D.C., time.
President Biden has tweeted 2 time so far for Monday; sharing his 1st tweet down thread…
From the Build Back Better Framework and probably mentioned in today’s remarks:
When Biden Bits was published for Friday, President Biden had tweeted 4 times. He added 7 tweets giving him a Friday Tweeting Total of 11 tweets and 0 retweets.
Friday was Jobs Report Day. Since it was Novembers Jobs Report, President Biden offered remarks early Friday…
President Biden: This year, we can reflect on some extraordinary bit of progress. Our economy is markedly stronger than it was a year ago. And today, the incredible news that our unemployment rate has fallen to 4.2 percent. At this point in the year, we’re looking at the sharpest one-year decline in unemployment ever. Simply put, America — America is back to work and our jobs recovery is going very strong.
President Biden: But that’s not just jobs that are up. Wages are up, especially for hardworking Americans often ignored in past — in past recoveries. Workers in transportation and warehouses have seen their wages go up approximately 10 percent this year. Workers in hotels and restaurants have seen their wages go up 13 percent this year.
On Thursday, President Biden announced his winter COVID-19 plan.
President Biden: We’re going to fight this variant with science and speed, not chaos and confusion, just like we beat back COVID-19 in the spring and more powerful variant — Delta variant in the summer and fall. As a result, we enter this winter from a position of strength compared to where America was last winter. Last Christmas, fewer than 1 percent of American adults were fully vaccinated. This Christmas, that number will be 77 — 72 percent, including more than 86 percent of seniors — the most vulnerable population. Last Christmas, our children were at risk without a COVID-19 vaccine. This Christmas, we have safe, effective vaccines for children age five and older, with 20 million children and counting now vaccinated. Last year, a majority of our schools were closed Christmastime in that area. Now over 99 percent of our schools are open.
On Thursday the White House issued the following Proclamation on; International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2021:
Thirty-one years ago, the bipartisan passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enshrined our commitment to building a better Nation for all of us. In the years since, we have made profound progress to advance the rights, opportunities, full participation, and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities — both here at home and in nations around the world. On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm the full promise of dignity, equity, and respect due to all disabled people and recognize the work that still remains to fully deliver on that promise.
I was proud to co-sponsor the ADA as a member of the United States Senate. Today, that law remains a vital source of opportunity and dignity — a defense against discrimination and a path to independence. My Administration continues to build on the legacy of the ADA here at home and lead efforts for disability-inclusive democracies around the world. Earlier this year, I signed Executive Orders to recruit and retain a workforce that truly reflects the American people — including Americans with disabilities — and to help ensure that people with disabilities can exercise their sacred right to vote on a full and equal basis.
We know that — both here in America and around the world — women and girls with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by gender inequality. That is why my Administration developed the first-ever National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, which aims to address discrimination rooted in the nexus of both gender and disability. The American Rescue Plan included landmark support for people with disabilities — including historic funding to expand home- and community-based services under Medicaid, which is enabling more Americans than ever to live safely and independently in their own homes. My Administration’s Build Back Better plan will further that commitment by making the most transformative investment in access to home care in 40 years — providing life-changing support to people with disabilities and the dedicated workers who help care for them.
To uphold and advance the human rights of people with disabilities worldwide, I reestablished the role of Special Advisor on International Disability Rights at the Department of State. My Administration will continue to take domestic and international actions to make democracy more accessible around the world. The Summit for Democracy on December 9-10 will affirm that a government of, by, and for the people — including those with disabilities — remains humanity’s most enduring means to advance peace, prosperity, and security.
Today and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring dignity, equity, and respect for all people with disabilities. As we continue to build back better and address the challenges of the 21st century, we will ensure that we deal everybody in and bring everyone along.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 3, 2021, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call on all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
White House.gov. 12/02/2021.
Biden left out a key phrase from the Nobel winners’ letter — in which they made it clear that they weren’t saying the President’s plan would alleviate the inflation affecting the country right now. Rather, the Nobel winners wrote that Biden’s agenda would alleviate “longer-term” inflationary pressures. The relevant sentence read as follows: “Because this agenda invests in long-term economic capacity and will enhance the ability of more Americans to participate productively in the economy, it will ease longer-term inflationary pressures.” The letter did not discuss the issue of short-term inflation.
[two of the letters signatories are quoted by CNN as saying]
Christopher Sims, a Princeton University professor of economics, said in an email: “So long as the legislation retains significant revenue raising as it goes through the Senate, it will probably have little short-term effect on inflation, and could even, by demonstrating that Congressional near-deadlock is not preventing significant revenue-raising, dampen medium term inflation. Nonetheless the impact of the legislation on inflation is uncertain, especially in the near term, so the letter’s ‘long term’ phrase was important.”
Eric Maskin, a Harvard University professor of economics and mathematics, said in an email: “The two pieces of legislation — the infrastructure act and the (Build Back Better) bill — have the potential to reduce inflationary pressure in the longer term because they should expand productive capacity and therefore supply. It is much harder to say what their effect on inflation might be in the short to medium term.”
CNN. 12/03/2021.
Saturday:
President Biden tweeted 3 times.
The video is a 47 second montage of workers getting the “People’s House,” ready for the holiday season. There is no voice over, just Christmas music.
The above is somewhat similar to remarks he made on December 1st, 2021.
President Biden: Now, on to the economy. If you’ve watched the news recently, you might think the shelves in all our stores are empty across the country, that parents won’t be able to get presents for their children on holidays — this holiday season. But here’s the deal: For the vast majority of the country, that’s not what’s happening. Because of the actions the administration has taken in partnership with business and labor, retailers and grocery stores, freight movers and railroads, those shelves are going to be stocked.
From the White House; Build Back Better Framework:
Sunday:
President Biden tweeted 4 times and retweeted 1 time.
President Biden’s full statement on the passing of former Senator Bob Dole. Senator Dole was 98 years-old.
A month after being sworn in as President, one of the first conversations I had with anyone outside the White House was with our dear friends, Bob and Elizabeth Dole, at their home in Washington. Bob had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and I was were there to offer the same support, love, and encouragement that they showed me and Jill when our son Beau battled cancer, and that the Doles have shown us over the half century we’ve been friends.
Like all true friendships, regardless of how much time has passed, we picked up right where we left off, as though it were only yesterday that we were sharing a laugh in the Senate dining room or debating the great issues of the day, often against each other, on the Senate floor. I saw in his eyes the same light, bravery, and determination I’ve seen so many times before.
In the Senate, though we often disagreed, he never hesitated to work with me or other Democrats when it mattered most. He and Ted Kennedy came together to turn Bob’s lifelong cause into the Americans with Disabilities Act — granting tens of millions of Americans lives of greater dignity. On the Social Security Commission, he led a bipartisan effort with Pat Moynihan to ensure that every American could grow old with their basic dignity intact. When he managed the bill to create a federal holiday in the name of Martin Luther King, Jr. — a bill that many in his own caucus opposed — I will never forget what he said to our colleagues: “No first-class democracy can treat people like second-class citizens.”
Another bipartisan effort, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, provided school meals and food for nursing mothers and young children. It saved the lives of countless young people who would otherwise have died in infancy — and brought dignity to tens of millions of families at home and abroad. This work, for Bob, was about more than passing laws. It was written on his heart.
Bob was an American statesman like few in our history. A war hero and among the greatest of the Greatest Generation. And to me, he was also a friend whom I could look to for trusted guidance, or a humorous line at just the right moment to settle frayed nerves. I will miss my friend. But I am grateful for the times we shared, and for the friendship Jill and I and our family have built with Liddy and the entire Dole family.
Bob was a man to be admired by Americans. He had an unerring sense of integrity and honor. May God bless him, and may our nation draw upon his legacy of decency, dignity, good humor, and patriotism for all time.
White House.gov. 12/05/2021.
The White House issued the following Proclamation on; the Death of Robert Joseph Dole.
As a mark of respect for Robert Joseph Dole, a statesman like few in our history and a war hero among the greatest of the Greatest Generation, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on December 9, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
White House.gov. 12/05/2021.
Vice President Harris posted a statement:
On Sunday, President Biden offered remarks at the Kennedy Center Honorees Reception hosted at the White House.
President Biden: And that includes honorees who are no longer with us, like the incomparable Stephen Sondheim who just passed away. Stephen was in a class of his own as a composer and a lyricist. And he once wrote: No one loves — excuse me, “No one leaves for good.” “No one leaves for good.” Like every iconic artist, his work is going to endure and be discovered and rediscovered for generations to come, just like the work of all of you here.
MONDAYS 1ST TWEET:
Justino Díaz
President Biden: And Justino Diaz, a proud son of Puerto Rico and one of the world’s legendary opera singers who gives us the sound of soul — a four-decade career, dozens of roles, and hundreds of performances. From the stages of the world’s biggest opera houses, his defining baritone makes Shakespeare, Verdi, Puccini, who they — as if they all wrote for him, each of the — it’s amazing. I don’t know whether you feel that way, pal, but that’s how it comes across. (Laughter.) A voice and a presence that depicts the drama of human experience unlike few others ever have or ever will. And 50 years ago, Justino performed at the inauguration at the Kennedy Center — of the Kennedy Center. Later this evening, he returns with a well-deserved honor. Congratulations, Justino. I think you’re — you deserve it. (Applause.)
Berry Gordy
President Biden: And Berry Gordy. Detroit. Motown. (Laughs.) God, I tell you what: I don’t know how I would have grown up without Motown. Talk about the soul of America. Unmatched six-decade career — a songwriter and a producer. Jackie Wilson. Smokey Robinson. Stevie Wonder. The Supremes. The Temptations. The Jackson 5. The list goes on and on. And if I had my cellphone with me, I’d play them all for you. (Laughter.) The talent, the singers, writers, producers that found a home in Motown and helped establish Black culture as American culture. It went well — way — well beyond the music. And as a — as an Army veteran who served in Korea, only to come back to a segregated America to put up every barrier in your way. But Berry still built one of the most iconic businesses in our history. And he did it with music that lifted us higher and spoke to what we all know in our hearts: that love is in need and love this day is badly needed. His music inspires us, challenges us, and brought us together, providing that sometimes the best way to shatter the deepest-rooted barriers in a country is to get people to move their feet. Motown moved the soul of America because Motown set the beat of America. So I want to thank you, Berry, really. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.) You know, Berry, my dad, when he was a kid, had a band. And as he grew up and getting married and had his family, he used to look at me and say, “Joey, I don’t know where the hell you came from.” He said, “You have two left feet. You can’t carry a tune in a wheelbarrow. And, Joey, you have no lip for clarinet.” So, he was disappointed. But I wish I had your talent — to not be able to do any of that stuff and still make the best music in the world. (Laughter and applause.)
Lorne Michaels
President Biden: And Lorne Michaels — Mr. Wise Guy over here. (Laughter.) He — he — he’s trying out seven guys to play me. (Inaudible.) (Laughter and applause.) As we say in our family: Bless me father for I have sinned. I don’t know what’s going to happen. (Laughter.) And, finally, it’s my turn to say something about him. (Laughter.) All kidding aside, in over 40 years of turning “Saturday Night Live” into an American institution, Lorne has proven that laughter is good for the soul. If you can’t laugh at yourself, we’re in real trouble. And you make me laugh at myself a lot. (Laughter.) Ninety-four Emmy nominations — the most ever for one person in history; 20 wins. 370 [307] Emmy nominations for SNL — the most of any show; 86 wins. And like Berry Gordy, he’s cultivated talent that’s defined American culture in the 20th century and well into the 21st century. Talent like past Kennedy Center honoree Steve Martin, who is here today. Steve, are you here today? I was told you — Steve, stand up. Come on, man. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
MR. MARTIN: Do you want me to play you? (Laughter and applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Steve, I’m afraid you understand me too well. (Laughter.)
President Biden con’t: Lorne has proven that satire about our leaders, about our society is a quintessential American thing to do and a hallmark of any democratic society. Like good journalism, comedy holds a mirror up to ourselves to reflect on the good, the bad, and the truth. It matters. And our good friend and past Kennedy Center honorees, like David Letterman — who is here — and understands the truth of that as well. And throughout my career, I’ve met nearly every world leader. And I’ll tell you, not everyone sees satire that way. (Laughter.) You’d all be in jail. (Laughter.) A joke. But, really, all kidding aside, think about it. But for America, that’s the power of our example. You know, I — I wrote along — a line a long time ago that keeps getting quoted back to me and I make no apologies for it: America has led the world not by the example of our power, but the power of our example. That’s who we are. That’s what leads the world: the power of example. And thank you for continuing — continuing that great American tradition. I really mean it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Bette Midler
President Biden: And, Bette Midler, God love you. I am such an unadulterated fan. Bette is a true American treasure. You know, it’s hard to fully capture the range and breadth of her career and her talents in a span a decade or two. You know, we — in the Biden family, no woman is as old as any man. That’s the rule. Okay? (Laughter.) It’s hell turning 30, I know. But you’ve — all you’ve done — the songs, the shows, the movies. And it can’t be done alone. Four Golden Globe awards, three Grammy awards, three Emmy’s, two Tony’s, two nominations for Oscar, and even — and even tonight’s Kennedy Center Honors. But to paraphrase Maya Angelou: People will never forget how you make them feel. People will never forget how you make them feel. Bette, that’s your gift. It’s an incredible gift. Jill was reminding us — we went to see Bette on Broadway when our two boys were a lot — when my two boys were young. And in the middle of her show, she stopped and looked down — we had great seats and like seven, eight rows back. She looks, she said, “Who would bring two kids to a show like this?” (Laughter.) My boys used that as a badge of courage their entire career. (Laughter.) “Bette Midler picked us out in a show.” (Laughter.) You’re a performer without peer, Bette, staying grounded with empathy and just connects with people and all walks of life. You sort of reach down deep and you grab their souls. You make them feel. You make them laugh. You find joy, and you give them a little bit of hope. You know, your own stages — on your own stage — well, we’re just lucky to have you. Just lucky to have you and to watch one of America’s greats. I really mean it. You’re something else. And although you weren’t thinking of me, but I keep thinking you’re thinking of me when you said the wings beneath — the wind beneath my wings. (Laughter.) So I — you know, like I said, I’m going to show you my cellphone in a minute. (Laughter.) And congratulations to “The Divine Miss M.” I tell you. (Applause.)
Joni Mitchell
President Biden: And, Joni, your words and melodies touch the deepest parts of our soul. I mean — I mean, they really do. We don’t — and that — your experience, for real. I mean, all that you’ve done. (Applause.) Our capacity to love — the capacity to love with abandon. Abandon. And she does it by letting us in, by sharing what’s deeply personal and yet universal. It’s why millions of people will listen to her songs and feel they were written just for them. It’s — you’re a master at your craft. And what sets you apart, in my view, is when we listen to you — your voice, your guitar, your careful arrangements — we listen to a great song. And then — then you read the lyrics on their own, in the quiet, all by themselves, and you read a great poem. You sing poetry, it seems to me. And I’m no artist. Eight Grammys, seventeen nominations. The album “Blue” considered one of the best albums ever, ever, ever. And the impact on fans in every generation and artists of every genre. This is immeasurable. Her gift — she touches the range of human nature and the sense of struggle and how we overcome and how we love. Joni, congratulations. Congratulations (inaudible). (Applause.)
The below clips from CBS Morning are just highlights. The event airs on December 22nd, 2021.
The daily press briefing is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. D.C., time.
This is an Open Thread.
