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| Biden battles political headwinds as he hits the road to sell his agenda – live | Biden battles political headwinds as he hits the road to sell his agenda – live |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The president, beset by sagging poll numbers, will visit New Hampshire on the first leg of a tour promoting bipartisan legislation | The president, beset by sagging poll numbers, will visit New Hampshire on the first leg of a tour promoting bipartisan legislation |
| The US politics live blog will now hand over from the east coast to the west coast and our colleague in California, Maanvi Singh, will take you through events over the next few hours. So do stay tuned. | |
| Today so far: | |
| Joe Biden and leading figures in his administration plan a flurry of further visits, following the president’s trip to New Hampshire today, to promote the benefits of the $1.2tr bipartisan infrastructure legislation signed into law yesterday. | |
| Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said that it is “conceivable” for the spread of Covid-19 to downgrade to endemic levels rather than a pandemic, but that boosters and continued vaccinations are key. | |
| The White House is confident the Biden administration’s $1.85tn Build Back Better social program and climate action legislation will get voted through by the House before Thanksgiving, and maybe this week, before it goes back to the Senate, where the president also expressed optimism that it can get passed. | |
| California representative Jackie Speier announced that she will not be seeking reelection, adding to the list of Democrats who will not be running for reelection ahead of a shaky 2022 midterm election cycle. | |
| Dick Durbin, chairman of the Senate judiciary committee, demanded that attorney general Merrick Garland immediately fire the director of the federal Bureau of Prisons over reports of misconduct involving corrections officers. | |
| Joe Biden is wrapping up his visit to New Hampshire and returning to the White House right now. But he intends a further flurry of visits, himself and by some of his top figures this week to, as the White House puts it, communicate the benefits of infrastructure investment and “highlight how the president forged consensus to demonstrate how democracies can deliver real results”. | |
| Tomorrow, Biden will visit Detroit. Interior secretary Deb Haaland will visit Barnstable, Massachusetts, on Thursday, San Francisco on Saturday and then head for her native New Mexico on Monday. | |
| Vice-president Kamala Harris intends to travel to Columbus, Ohio, on Friday and on that day labor secretary Marty Walsh will follow in Biden’s footsteps to visit Detroit, while transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg goes to Arizona. | |
| On Saturday, housing secretary Marcia Fudge goes to Atlanta and on Monday energy secretary Jennifer Granholm will visit Oak Ridge, Tennessee. | |
| The White House has been at pains to emphasize the mix of destinations between red and blue states, cities large and small. | |
| Public health officials are warning about a surge in coronavirus cases in several states with one saying “the whole midwest is lighting up” with Covid. | |
| Minnesota’s rate of new infections has been worst in the nation over the week and is putting a strain on hospitals in the state, the Star Tribune reports today, citing federal statistics. | |
| “We are in the middle of a Covid blizzard right now in Minnesota, so that’s a challenge,” state infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann has said. The official echoes the country’s top infectious diseases public health expert, Anthony Fauci, in continuing to encourage people to get vaccinated and, for those who are already immunized, getting their booster shots. | |
| “If we could get more people vaccinated and if people continue to seek out boosters, that will make a difference,” Ehresmann said. | |
| Minnesota yesterday reported another 5,266 coronavirus infections and a 9.7% positivity rate that brings Minnesota close to its 10% high-risk threshold for widespread viral transmission for the first time since December, the Star Tribune further reports, noting also that unvaccinated people make up the majority of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths. | |
| Meanwhile, Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy has warned that the “whole Midwest is lighting up” with infection. | |
| He also reiterated that vaccination is the key strategy against a winter surge and getting the coronavirus pandemic finally under control. | |
| “The size of the surge is completely related to vaccine levels,” Osterholm added. | |
| You can read the full Minneapolis Star Tribune report here. | |
| Pfizer asked US regulators today to authorize its experimental treatment pill for Covid-19, an approval that could result in a take-home treatment for coronavirus by this winter, the Associated Press. | Pfizer asked US regulators today to authorize its experimental treatment pill for Covid-19, an approval that could result in a take-home treatment for coronavirus by this winter, the Associated Press. |
| Pfizer’s pill comes as coronavirus infection rates increase across the country, particularly as colder weather causes more people to stay indoors. In addition to Pfizer, the Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing an anti-viral pill from Merck, with other smaller drug producers expected to seek approval for their own Covid-19 pills. | Pfizer’s pill comes as coronavirus infection rates increase across the country, particularly as colder weather causes more people to stay indoors. In addition to Pfizer, the Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing an anti-viral pill from Merck, with other smaller drug producers expected to seek approval for their own Covid-19 pills. |
| “We are moving as quickly as possible in our effort to get this potential treatment into the hands of patients, and we look forward to working with the US FDA on its review of our application,” said Pfizer’s CEO Albert Bourla, in a statement. | |
| Pfizer noted earlier this month that their pill cut the rate of hospitalisations and deaths by nearly 90% for adults who had early symptoms of Covid-19, were unvaccinated and had risk factors including age or co-morbid health factors. | |
| Today, Pfizer also signed a deal with a UN-backed group to allow drugmakers to produce generic, cheaper versions of the pill for certain countries. Merck, whose anti-viral pill was approved in Britain earlier this month, has a similar deal. | Today, Pfizer also signed a deal with a UN-backed group to allow drugmakers to produce generic, cheaper versions of the pill for certain countries. Merck, whose anti-viral pill was approved in Britain earlier this month, has a similar deal. |
| The US has approved one other antiviral drug for Covid-19, remdesivir, and authorized three antibody therapies that help the immune system fight the virus, notes the AP. | |
| Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said that it is “conceivable” for the spread of Covid-19 to downgrade to endemic levels rather than a pandemic, but that boosters and continued vaccinations are key. | Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said that it is “conceivable” for the spread of Covid-19 to downgrade to endemic levels rather than a pandemic, but that boosters and continued vaccinations are key. |
| Fauci spoke about trends in the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that while there is no ‘magic number’ of daily coronavirus cases to determine when the US is an endemic phase, reaching that stage is possible. | Fauci spoke about trends in the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that while there is no ‘magic number’ of daily coronavirus cases to determine when the US is an endemic phase, reaching that stage is possible. |
| “To me if you want to get endemic, you have got to get the level of infection so low that it does not have an impact on society, on your life, on your economy,” said Fauci in an interview during the Reuters Total Health conference. | “To me if you want to get endemic, you have got to get the level of infection so low that it does not have an impact on society, on your life, on your economy,” said Fauci in an interview during the Reuters Total Health conference. |
| “People will still get infected. People might still get hospitalized, but the level would be so low that we don’t think about it all the time and it doesn’t influence what we do.” | “People will still get infected. People might still get hospitalized, but the level would be so low that we don’t think about it all the time and it doesn’t influence what we do.” |
| Fauci went on to say that if the US makes boosters available to everyone, the virus could be under control by spring 2022. | Fauci went on to say that if the US makes boosters available to everyone, the virus could be under control by spring 2022. |
| “Look what other countries are doing now about adopting a booster campaign virtually for everybody. I think if we do that, and we do it in earnest, I think by the spring we can have pretty good control of this,” | “Look what other countries are doing now about adopting a booster campaign virtually for everybody. I think if we do that, and we do it in earnest, I think by the spring we can have pretty good control of this,” |
| Biden said he is “confident” that his “Build Back Better” bill will get passed by the House within a week and urged bipartisanship to address US infrastructure needs, including those exacerbated by climate change, during remarks he made today in New Hampshire. | Biden said he is “confident” that his “Build Back Better” bill will get passed by the House within a week and urged bipartisanship to address US infrastructure needs, including those exacerbated by climate change, during remarks he made today in New Hampshire. |
| Biden also touted that the bill would lower the deficit, pre-empting a potentially negative assessment from the Congressional Budget Office about the bill’s cost estimates. | Biden also touted that the bill would lower the deficit, pre-empting a potentially negative assessment from the Congressional Budget Office about the bill’s cost estimates. |
| During his speech, Biden also highlighted many benefits to his recently passed infrastructure laws, including fixing blighted bridges, road, and other infrastructure across the country, fixing “100%” of lead pipes in the country, and providing high-speed internet, a service proved even more essential during the Covid-19 pandemic. | During his speech, Biden also highlighted many benefits to his recently passed infrastructure laws, including fixing blighted bridges, road, and other infrastructure across the country, fixing “100%” of lead pipes in the country, and providing high-speed internet, a service proved even more essential during the Covid-19 pandemic. |
| “Despite the cynics, Democrats and Republicans, we can work together, we can deliver real results,” said Biden. | “Despite the cynics, Democrats and Republicans, we can work together, we can deliver real results,” said Biden. |
| “The middle class built this country and they’ve been left out,” said Biden. | “The middle class built this country and they’ve been left out,” said Biden. |
| Biden spoke in Woodstock, New Hampshire, located two hours outside of New Hampshire’s capital, and at the Pemigewasset River Bridge, which is in need of major repairs, according to the WMUR, a local news affiliate. | Biden spoke in Woodstock, New Hampshire, located two hours outside of New Hampshire’s capital, and at the Pemigewasset River Bridge, which is in need of major repairs, according to the WMUR, a local news affiliate. |
| Biden has had low approval ratings in New Hampshire, similar to dismal approval ratings nationwide. In a recent poll from 20 October by the UNH Survey Center, only 37% of Democratic primary voters said they would vote for Biden in the 2024 primary. | Biden has had low approval ratings in New Hampshire, similar to dismal approval ratings nationwide. In a recent poll from 20 October by the UNH Survey Center, only 37% of Democratic primary voters said they would vote for Biden in the 2024 primary. |
| House speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement on the retirement announcement of long-serving California representative Jackie Speier. | House speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement on the retirement announcement of long-serving California representative Jackie Speier. |
| In a press release about Speier’s announcement that she will not be seeking reelection in 2022, Pelosi spoke about Speier’s accomplishments and legacy in the House, calling Speier “an extraordinary Member of Congress and a significant leader in our country”. | In a press release about Speier’s announcement that she will not be seeking reelection in 2022, Pelosi spoke about Speier’s accomplishments and legacy in the House, calling Speier “an extraordinary Member of Congress and a significant leader in our country”. |
| “Her courageous and values-based leadership, particularly on behalf of the women, survivors and the vulnerable, has made a difference in the lives of countless Americans and has strengthened our nation,” said Pelosi via the statement. | “Her courageous and values-based leadership, particularly on behalf of the women, survivors and the vulnerable, has made a difference in the lives of countless Americans and has strengthened our nation,” said Pelosi via the statement. |
| Pelosi also spoke Speier’s role as chair of the military personnel subcommittee of the armed services committee as well as her work to address sexual harassment and assault in the military, college campuses, and in Congress. | Pelosi also spoke Speier’s role as chair of the military personnel subcommittee of the armed services committee as well as her work to address sexual harassment and assault in the military, college campuses, and in Congress. |
| “Her colleagues in the Congress look forward to continuing to benefit from her leadership for the remainder of her term, and from her legacy for years to come. It has been my personal honor to share representation of San Francisco with her and work with her to save the San Francisco Bay,” said Pelosi. | “Her colleagues in the Congress look forward to continuing to benefit from her leadership for the remainder of her term, and from her legacy for years to come. It has been my personal honor to share representation of San Francisco with her and work with her to save the San Francisco Bay,” said Pelosi. |
| Speier, 71, who has served seven terms as congresswoman for the San Francisco Bay Area, announced her retirement in a video message published to Twitter, saying that while it was an “extraordinary privilege” to serve in public office, she was ready to move on. | Speier, 71, who has served seven terms as congresswoman for the San Francisco Bay Area, announced her retirement in a video message published to Twitter, saying that while it was an “extraordinary privilege” to serve in public office, she was ready to move on. |
| The White House downplayed pending, potentially negative CBO scores on the Biden administration’s $1.85tn “Build Back Better” bill, calling the CBO’s experience into question. | The White House downplayed pending, potentially negative CBO scores on the Biden administration’s $1.85tn “Build Back Better” bill, calling the CBO’s experience into question. |
| In his first gaggle as White House deputy press secretary, Andrew Bates discussed the potential impact cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office could have on the bill being passed, directly challenging the CBO’s expertise, reported Politico. | In his first gaggle as White House deputy press secretary, Andrew Bates discussed the potential impact cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office could have on the bill being passed, directly challenging the CBO’s expertise, reported Politico. |
| “There has been wide agreement on the part of everyone involved, moderates, liberals, etc, that CBO does not have experience analyzing revenue amounts gained from cracking down on wealthy tax cheats who are taking advantage of every honest taxpayer,” said Bates. | “There has been wide agreement on the part of everyone involved, moderates, liberals, etc, that CBO does not have experience analyzing revenue amounts gained from cracking down on wealthy tax cheats who are taking advantage of every honest taxpayer,” said Bates. |
| Bates also said that several economists, including former US Treasury secretary and controversial figure Larry Summers, have said the White House is underestimating the amount of revenue Biden’s spending package could bring. | Bates also said that several economists, including former US Treasury secretary and controversial figure Larry Summers, have said the White House is underestimating the amount of revenue Biden’s spending package could bring. |
| “There’s a huge body of work,” Bates said, “from economic experts – including Republican former Treasury secretaries, IRS commissioners who have served under presidents of both parties, as well as Larry Summers, with whom we have sometimes had important differences – affirming that, if anything, our estimates lowball how much revenue can be brought in by cracking down on rich tax cheats. | “There’s a huge body of work,” Bates said, “from economic experts – including Republican former Treasury secretaries, IRS commissioners who have served under presidents of both parties, as well as Larry Summers, with whom we have sometimes had important differences – affirming that, if anything, our estimates lowball how much revenue can be brought in by cracking down on rich tax cheats. |
| “This is something that has been known for months and everyone is on the same page,” concluded Bates. | “This is something that has been known for months and everyone is on the same page,” concluded Bates. |
| Previously, CBO scores have hampered legislation discussion including drafts of the Obamacare bill. Former president Barack Obama was reportedly so fed up with the budget office that the name was banned in his presence, instead calling it “banana”, according to Politico. | Previously, CBO scores have hampered legislation discussion including drafts of the Obamacare bill. Former president Barack Obama was reportedly so fed up with the budget office that the name was banned in his presence, instead calling it “banana”, according to Politico. |
| Joe Biden is en route to New Hampshire this morning, to North Woodstock, and is due to make remarks on his infrastructure bill and related matters at 2.25pm ET there. | Joe Biden is en route to New Hampshire this morning, to North Woodstock, and is due to make remarks on his infrastructure bill and related matters at 2.25pm ET there. |
| The White House is “confident” that “Build Back Better” bill will pass in both House and Senate | The White House is “confident” that “Build Back Better” bill will pass in both House and Senate |
| California representative Jackie Speier announced that she will not be seeking re-election. | California representative Jackie Speier announced that she will not be seeking re-election. |
| US House Majority leader Steny Hoyer said today that a House vote on the Biden administration’s “Build Back Better” agenda could happen on Friday | US House Majority leader Steny Hoyer said today that a House vote on the Biden administration’s “Build Back Better” agenda could happen on Friday |
| The Chairman of the Senate judiciary committee demanded that Attorney General Merrick Garland immediately fire the director of the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) following an investigation by the Associated Press. | The Chairman of the Senate judiciary committee demanded that Attorney General Merrick Garland immediately fire the director of the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) following an investigation by the Associated Press. |
| House minority leader Kevin McCarthy privately urged House Republicans not to punish the 13 members who voted for Biden’s infrastructure bill that was signed into law yesterday. | House minority leader Kevin McCarthy privately urged House Republicans not to punish the 13 members who voted for Biden’s infrastructure bill that was signed into law yesterday. |
| During a closed meeting with members, McCarthy and others urged that now was not the time for retaliation against those who supported the bipartisan bill, asking Republicans to remain unified ahead of a House vote on Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan. | During a closed meeting with members, McCarthy and others urged that now was not the time for retaliation against those who supported the bipartisan bill, asking Republicans to remain unified ahead of a House vote on Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan. |
| It was unclear though if future punishment was still possible, according to Politico. | It was unclear though if future punishment was still possible, according to Politico. |
| Far-right Republicans, including Colorado congresswoman Lauren Boebert, had been pushing for those who were key in getting Biden’s infrastructure bill passed to face punishment, including having their committee assignments stripped. | Far-right Republicans, including Colorado congresswoman Lauren Boebert, had been pushing for those who were key in getting Biden’s infrastructure bill passed to face punishment, including having their committee assignments stripped. |
| It is unclear if McCarthy’s remarks will limit immediate consequences for members who crossed party lines. Following the talk, Freedom Caucus member Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina called McCarthy’s remarks “good message” but also said that dissenting members should “accept some responsibility.” | It is unclear if McCarthy’s remarks will limit immediate consequences for members who crossed party lines. Following the talk, Freedom Caucus member Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina called McCarthy’s remarks “good message” but also said that dissenting members should “accept some responsibility.” |
| Following public admonishment from some fellow Republicans, some members who were among the GOP rank and file who helped the bill pass the House say they have received death threats. | Following public admonishment from some fellow Republicans, some members who were among the GOP rank and file who helped the bill pass the House say they have received death threats. |
| Reminder: Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell voted for the infrastructure bill, calling it a “godsend” for his homestate of Kentucky. | Reminder: Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell voted for the infrastructure bill, calling it a “godsend” for his homestate of Kentucky. |
| In the briefing on Air Force One en route to New Hampshire just now, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates was asked whether the White House was concerned that the Congressional Budget Office scoring of the financials on the $1.85tn Build Back Better bill “may not be as favorable as you have projected”. | In the briefing on Air Force One en route to New Hampshire just now, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates was asked whether the White House was concerned that the Congressional Budget Office scoring of the financials on the $1.85tn Build Back Better bill “may not be as favorable as you have projected”. |
| And he was also asked whether moderate Democrats in the Senate can be persuaded to agree to pass the bill. | And he was also asked whether moderate Democrats in the Senate can be persuaded to agree to pass the bill. |
| The bill, slimmed down to a $1.85tn price tag from its previous size of more than three trillion, is currently awaiting a vote in the House. | The bill, slimmed down to a $1.85tn price tag from its previous size of more than three trillion, is currently awaiting a vote in the House. |
| As previously mentioned, House leaders are hoping for it to pass this week and certainly before Thanksgiving and the CBO expects to indicate its estimates for the spending bill by Friday. | As previously mentioned, House leaders are hoping for it to pass this week and certainly before Thanksgiving and the CBO expects to indicate its estimates for the spending bill by Friday. |
| But even if this happens, there is still expected to be conflict in the Senate over the price and content of the bill. | But even if this happens, there is still expected to be conflict in the Senate over the price and content of the bill. |
| Taking the second point first, Bates said: “We are confident that we are going to obtain 50 votes in the Senate for the Build Back Better Act.” | Taking the second point first, Bates said: “We are confident that we are going to obtain 50 votes in the Senate for the Build Back Better Act.” |
| The Democrats intend to pass BBB via the reconciliation process, as it is a budgetary item, meaning they need a simple majority in the senate, not the 60-vote majority normally needed to satisfy the filibuster rule. | The Democrats intend to pass BBB via the reconciliation process, as it is a budgetary item, meaning they need a simple majority in the senate, not the 60-vote majority normally needed to satisfy the filibuster rule. |
| But with the 100-seat Senate split 50-50 Dems and GOP, Biden can’t afford to have even one Democratic senator vote against Build Back Better, which is why moderates Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, are holding such sway in their opposition to a big price tag and some of the bill’s social spending and climate action elements. | But with the 100-seat Senate split 50-50 Dems and GOP, Biden can’t afford to have even one Democratic senator vote against Build Back Better, which is why moderates Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, are holding such sway in their opposition to a big price tag and some of the bill’s social spending and climate action elements. |
| Meanwhile, Bates said, essentially, that the CBO’s estimates are not the be all and end all and the Biden administration is supremely satisfied that “this is going to be paid for”. | Meanwhile, Bates said, essentially, that the CBO’s estimates are not the be all and end all and the Biden administration is supremely satisfied that “this is going to be paid for”. |
| “This will reduce the deficit, that’s the bottom line for us,” he said. | “This will reduce the deficit, that’s the bottom line for us,” he said. |
| Joe Biden is en route to New Hampshire right now. Air Force One is in the air and deputy press secretary Andrew Bates is gathering now with reporters onboard, for a briefing. | Joe Biden is en route to New Hampshire right now. Air Force One is in the air and deputy press secretary Andrew Bates is gathering now with reporters onboard, for a briefing. |
| Bates just began and we are tuning into the audio-only live stream online and Bates is talking infrastructure and now basketball … we’ll bring you anything meaty. | Bates just began and we are tuning into the audio-only live stream online and Bates is talking infrastructure and now basketball … we’ll bring you anything meaty. |
| The US president’s long, virtual summit last night with Chinese president Xi Jinping is the first topic that’s come up from reporters. | The US president’s long, virtual summit last night with Chinese president Xi Jinping is the first topic that’s come up from reporters. |
| Bates says he has nothing to add to a report this morning in the Washington Post that Biden and his administration plan a diplomatic boycott of the winter Olympics, being held next February in Beijing. | Bates says he has nothing to add to a report this morning in the Washington Post that Biden and his administration plan a diplomatic boycott of the winter Olympics, being held next February in Beijing. |
| “That was not part of their conversation … it was not part of their discussion” last night, Bates says. | “That was not part of their conversation … it was not part of their discussion” last night, Bates says. |
| Tuning into an AF1 gaggle is intriguing! We just heard a loud rattle and Bates, who is still gaggling – this is his first such briefing – had a gaggle giggle and said: “This is the first time I’ve ever landed standing up.” | Tuning into an AF1 gaggle is intriguing! We just heard a loud rattle and Bates, who is still gaggling – this is his first such briefing – had a gaggle giggle and said: “This is the first time I’ve ever landed standing up.” |
| We hear the roar of engines going into reverse thrust, as the Boeing 747 slows after landing, and the party has arrived in New Hampshire and is preparing to alight. Just before Bates talked about the expected House and Senate votes on Build Back Better – catch you in the next post on that. | We hear the roar of engines going into reverse thrust, as the Boeing 747 slows after landing, and the party has arrived in New Hampshire and is preparing to alight. Just before Bates talked about the expected House and Senate votes on Build Back Better – catch you in the next post on that. |