LISTEN HERE:
President Biden made a bold statement on Sunday by claiming that he would not be responsible for a possible default on U.S. debt in the coming days. The president asserted this during a news conference in Hiroshima, Japan, where he had gone for meetings with G-7 nations.
The White House had previously taken the stance that this issue would not be up for any debate. However, Republicans in Congress forced Biden to negotiate. The president is now claiming that certain ‘MAGA Republicans’ are trying to cause a default to sabotage the economy before Biden’s re-election. This was met with a follow-up question from Fox News’ Peter Doocy.
‘Mr. President, on the debt limit, you said already, ‘I’ve done my part.’ Do you think if there’s a breach, nobody can blame you?’ Doocy asked. Since this statement could be easily misconstrued by the conservative population, Doocy was pressing on the issue to get a real answer from the president. Biden responded in jest, ‘Of course no one will blame me, I know you won’t, you’ll be saying Biden did a wonderful job.’
Biden further elaborated by stating that he would be blameless on the merits since he has done everything he could to prevent a default from happening. He continued by admitting that on the politics of it, no one would be blameless. It was his opinion that some ‘MAGA Republicans’ were contemplating the chaos that would come from a default, as it is an easy way to ensure Biden does not win a re-election.
Biden also claimed that he could unilaterally increase the debt limit using the 14th Amendment. However, if this occurs, it is unlikely to hold up in court. Additionally, he acknowledged that the legal dispute makes the move mute, and that the appeals process would push any final decision well beyond the default date. A GOP insider told Fox News on Friday that a snag has been reached in the talks since ‘there is too much daylight between the sides. The source said there is a lack of movement between the sides over what Republicans want to cut on the ‘discretionary’ side of the ledger, which is the part of spending Congress controls through the appropriations process each year.’
A White House spokesperson issued a statement on Friday indicating that ‘A responsible, bipartisan budget agreement remains possible if both sides negotiate in good faith and recognize that neither side will get everything it wants.’ As it stands, there is still an ongoing disagreement between the two sides with regard to how much they should cut from discretionary spending. However, both sides may be able to reach a compromise if they approach the negotiations with an open mind.
The president’s comments have been met with mixed feelings, as many conservatives believe that Biden is missing the mark when it comes to the country’s debt. Given the fact that Republicans have been pushing the issue of the debt limit, it is surprising that the president would take such a polarizing stance. It is possible that he is merely trying to deflect the blame if there is a default, rather than actually addressing the problem head-on.
During his visit to Japan, the president also had the chance to discuss other pressing issues with his fellow G-7 members. This is an important event since it is the first time that the leaders of these seven countries have met in person since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have discussed many important topics, including the ongoing pandemic, global economic growth, climate change, and world peace.
The relationship between the United States and Japan is a crucial one, as Japan is a key ally in the Asia-Pacific region. The two countries have been working together on many important fronts, including trade, military cooperation, and cultural exchange. Biden has stated his intention to deepen and strengthen the relationship between these two countries during his term as president.
However, tensions still exist between the two countries due to issues such as trade imbalances and Japan’s failure to deal with its wartime past. Biden will likely be looking to address these issues during his visit to Japan and reassure the Japanese people that the United States is committed to their security. Given the recent rise of China as a major world power, it is critical that the United States and Japan stand together to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition to his visit to Japan, the president has been busy addressing other important issues domestically. He recently signed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill into law, which should create millions of jobs across the country. This is a major accomplishment for Biden and his administration, as they have been working tirelessly to get this bill passed for months.
The infrastructure bill is just one part of Biden’s agenda to rebuild the country’s economy after the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Other key elements of his plan include expanding access to affordable healthcare, creating more opportunities for small businesses, and investing in renewable energy sources.
Not everyone is a fan of the president’s agenda, however. Many conservatives have criticized his policies as being too expensive and not focused enough on creating jobs. They have also expressed concerns about the rising national debt and inflation. Nevertheless, the president has remained undeterred and seems to be making progress on his agenda despite the opposition.
As the president continues to work on his policies, it is clear that he will face many challenges in the coming months. From addressing rising inflation to dealing with the ongoing pandemic, there is much work to be done. However, Biden seems to be up to the task, and his dedication to the American people is evident in his actions and words.
Overall, the president’s recent comments on the debt limit have caused some controversy, as many conservatives disagree with his assertion that he would be blameless in the event of a default. However, the president has also been tackling other important issues, such as his visit to Japan and the signing of the infrastructure bill. While there is still much work to be done, the president seems to be focused on improving the country’s economy and creating a brighter future for all Americans.
In conclusion, the next few months will be critical for the Biden administration as they work to address the challenges facing the country. From economic recovery to infrastructure reform, there is much to be accomplished. The president must remain focused on his goals and work to find common ground with Republicans and Democrats alike. Only through cooperation and mutual understanding can the United States continue to thrive as a world power.
It remains to be seen how the debt limit issue will ultimately be resolved, but one thing is clear – the consequences of a default would be disastrous for the American people. Hopefully, both sides will be able to work together to find a solution that benefits everyone. No matter what happens, it is important that the United States remains strong and resilient in the face of adversity.
