Biden’s clearly losing his mind but he’s also angry too.
On Friday, President Biden delivered a lighthearted moment during an update on hurricane recovery efforts, joking that Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm was his “boss” and referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as the “president.” Addressing the nation from the White House, Biden emphasized his administration’s commitment to restoring power and clearing debris in the wake of devastating hurricanes.
Seated in the Roosevelt Room with his Cabinet, including Granholm and Harris participating via teleconference, the president expressed his heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the recent storms. “Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes, their possessions, and even loved ones due to the brutal winds and historic flooding,” he stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Biden shared that he has been in contact with numerous officials from hard-hit states like North Carolina and Florida. Experts estimate that Hurricane Milton alone inflicted around $50 billion in damages. “We are here to help you rebuild and recover,” he assured affected residents.
Tragically, North Carolina officials have confirmed at least 92 fatalities linked to Hurricane Helene, while Florida has reported at least eight deaths from the destruction caused by tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton. Over three million Floridians remain without power, yet thanks to proactive measures from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, about 1 million customers have had their power restored by the pre-staged 50,000 utility workers.
Biden reaffirmed the federal government’s full support in the recovery efforts, mentioning key agencies such as FEMA and the National Guard. He condemned misleading claims circulating online that suggest the federal response has been inadequate.
As Biden concluded his remarks, he appeared to lose his train of thought, prompting Granholm to gently remind him to turn the floor over to the vice president. Things then turned awkward when Biden reminded Kamala and Granholm of his authority and said, “Hang on a second, Madame Vice President,” before eventually addressing her as “president,” which he quickly corrected.
WATCH:
Biden tells Kamala to “hold on” after she interrupts him.
— Myrna 𝕏 (@GigaBeers) October 12, 2024
He’s not happy w the coup pic.twitter.com/XyKiUkAdwf
Harris has recently faced criticism from DeSantis, who pointed out her absence in previous communications during crises. He asserted, “I’m working closely with the president and FEMA,” emphasizing his focus on recovery efforts without the vice president’s involvement.
During her remarks, Harris sought to demonstrate her engagement in the recovery process, highlighting her discussions with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about combating price gouging. She assured that the federal team is coordinating resources—food, water, medical supplies, and generators—with local authorities to expedite recovery efforts.
“We are committed to ensuring that communities affected by Hurricane Helene have the resources they need, not just for immediate response, but for long-term recovery,” Harris said, emphasizing that the administration is in this for the long haul.
As the situation develops, it’s crucial for our leaders to work together to ensure effective recovery efforts for all those impacted by these devastating storms. The road ahead will require bipartisan support to secure the necessary funding and resources for our communities in need.