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Joe Biden had a grin on his face in the White House.
But he doesn't have much to laugh about right now
Photo:
Susan Walsh / dpa
On the occasion of the first anniversary of his inauguration, US President Joe Biden defended his administration record against criticism.
"It's been a year of challenges, but also a year of tremendous progress," Biden said at a White House press conference.
At the same time, Biden acknowledged that there was "a lot of frustration and fatigue" in the United States.
This is due to the corona pandemic and most recently the rapid spread of the omicron variant.
Regarding the pandemic, Biden was confident: it is not yet that far, but the USA is moving towards the point in time when Corona will no longer disturb people's everyday lives and will no longer be a reason for a crisis, he said.
At the press conference, Biden looked back on issues from his presidency so far, but also addressed current issues such as the Ukraine crisis. The US President warned Russia of the consequences of an invasion of Ukraine. Referring to the threat of tough sanctions against Russia by the US and its allies, Biden said an invasion would not be "child's play" for Russia. He suspects that Russian soldiers would invade Ukraine.
But Biden doesn't believe that Putin wants "a full-fledged war." "It's one thing if it's a minor intrusion," Biden said, also referring to a possible NATO response. "But if they actually do what they are capable of doing with the forces gathered at the border, then it will be a disaster for Russia." Biden said another summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin was a possibility.
Biden is under pressure, his approval ratings have dropped significantly, and according to surveys, only 42 percent of Americans are satisfied with his work.
In terms of foreign policy, the debacle surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan has damaged the president.
In addition, while the unemployment rate has fallen close to pre-pandemic levels, inflation is a concern, with consumer prices in the United States rising at their highest rate in 40 years.
Several election promises not fulfilled
Biden also failed to fulfill several campaign promises. So far, he has failed in Congress with plans for electoral law reforms and a legislative package for social and climate protection - although his Democrats have narrow majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Biden blamed the opposition Republicans for blocking his reform plans. He "didn't expect" that "the most important thing" for the Republicans was to hinder him in the implementation of his plans.
In the congressional elections in November, the Republicans could also regain the majority in both chambers.
Nevertheless, Biden was confident of being able to push through the massive investment package for social affairs and climate protection that was blocked in the Senate before Christmas, at least in part.
Even before the congressional elections, parts for the promotion of electromobility and for energy and climate protection could be decided, said Biden.
Biden wants to run again with Harris
Biden also addressed personal details. The US President urged the Senate to quickly confirm his candidates for the Board of Directors of the US Federal Reserve. It's the Fed's job to make sure inflation doesn't deepen, Biden said. The President wants to ensure more diversity on the Fed Board by nominating women and members of ethnic minorities.
Regarding the 2024 presidential election, Biden made it clear that he would run with his running mate, Kamala Harris.
"I think she's doing a good job," Biden said.
Harris had recently come under increasing criticism, especially since she has so far been unable to report any success with the topics entrusted to her.
The 79-year-old Biden had previously stated several times that he would run for a second term in 2024 - provided he remained in good health.
hba/dpa/AFP/Reuters
