What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 9, 2025 Recap
In a deeply personal and reverent eulogy, President Biden paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter at his memorial service, highlighting the virtues that defined Carter’s life: character, faith, humility, and service. Biden recalled his personal relationship with Carter, which began in 1974 when, as a young senator, Biden became the first senator outside Georgia to endorse Carter's presidential candidacy. Biden explained that this endorsement was driven by his unwavering belief in Carter’s integrity, emphasizing, “Character, character, character.”
Biden shared memories of his final visit with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at their modest ranch home in Plains, Georgia, reflecting on the simplicity of their lifestyle, which symbolized their humility despite their positions of power. He described Carter as a man of deep Christian faith whose actions reflected his beliefs, including his commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect. Biden framed Carter’s life as a testament to moral leadership, illustrating how his faith informed his pursuit of justice, equity, and service to humanity.
The eulogy highlighted Carter’s achievements as president and in his post-presidency. Biden detailed Carter’s pivotal contributions, including his leadership in civil rights, nuclear non-proliferation, peace negotiations, and environmental conservation. He noted that Carter’s innovative partnership with Vice President Walter Mondale set a new standard for collaboration in the executive branch. Beyond his presidency, Carter’s extensive humanitarian work, including efforts through Habitat for Humanity and global health initiatives, exemplified his lifelong dedication to making a difference.
Biden described Carter’s legacy as a guiding example of living a life of purpose and meaning, urging young people to study his example. He portrayed Carter as a man who embodied the values of grace, humility, and resilience, always striving to do the right thing despite challenges.
Concluding his remarks, Biden referenced the prophet, Micah, saying that Carter “did justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly,” which reflects Carter’s commitment to his faith and the principles of service. Biden closed by expressing gratitude to the Carter family for sharing Jimmy and Rosalynn with the world and celebrated the reunion of the couple, who shared nearly 77 years of marriage. He invoked the imagery of Carter being “raised up on eagle’s wings” and held in God’s hand, offering a final blessing to a man he described as a dear friend and a great leader.
President Biden has recently announced two significant labor milestones. He commended the SEIU for reuniting with the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labor unions in the United States. Representing two million care and service workers, SEIU’s affiliation with the AFL-CIO is expected to enhance workers’ ability to organize, secure better wages, improve benefits, and build retirement security. Biden expressed pride in being the most pro-labor president in American history and congratulated American workers on this achievement.
In a separate statement, Biden applauded the tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), highlighting it as an example of effective collective bargaining. He praised the dockworkers’ union for delivering a strong contract and for their critical role in keeping ports operational during the pandemic, which helped address global supply chain challenges. He also acknowledged the contributions of carriers and port operators, emphasizing their essential role in the nation’s economy.
President Biden delivered remarks at Santa Monica Fire Station #5 regarding the federal response to the Palisades wildfire. He announced his readiness to sign a declaration to provide full federal assistance and outlined the deployment of significant resources to combat the fires. This includes additional firefighting personnel from the Department of Defense, two Modular Air Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) units from the California National Guard, two more from the Nevada National Guard, and four from Northern Command. Furthermore, 10 Navy helicopters equipped with water delivery buckets are being deployed from San Diego. President Biden reaffirmed the federal government’s long-term commitment to supporting California in containing the fires, recovery, and reconstruction efforts.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed deep gratitude for the federal government’s swift and comprehensive support, noting the importance of the disaster declaration and the seamless coordination between the White House and state authorities. He detailed the devastating impacts of the fires, including the destruction of over 1,000 structures, more than 100,000 evacuations, and the loss of lives and communities. He also highlighted the pre-positioning of assets in anticipation of severe weather conditions that exacerbated the fire’s spread.
On a personal note, President Biden shared that his son’s home in the region was initially believed to have been destroyed but may still be standing. He also announced the birth of his great-grandchild, a 10-pound, 4-ounce baby boy, marking a bittersweet moment amidst the tragedy of the wildfires. The briefing lasted approximately three minutes.
Over the past 24 hours, U.S. Forest Service personnel have suppressed 50 fire starts in California, including the successful containment of the Hollywood Fire, leading to the lifting of evacuation orders. Under President Biden’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration spearheads a robust federal response to the wildfires impacting Los Angeles. President Biden has received regular briefings, including updates from Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and has convened senior officials to coordinate the federal response. The National Preparedness Level has been raised to prioritize resources such as fire crews, aircraft, and specialized equipment for suppression efforts. Residents are strongly urged to follow evacuation orders and heed warnings from local authorities as the situation remains dangerous.
The federal response includes FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visiting Los Angeles to assess immediate needs, with FEMA teams embedded at the California State Emergency Operations Center. FEMA has also established a staging area at March Air Force Base to pre-position supplies and plans to support displaced individuals with lodging options. Additional aerial firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and ground resources have been deployed, including assets from the Canadian Interagency Fire Center, the State of Colorado, and the Department of Defense. The DOD is providing infrared mapping and has activated all eight Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, with two aircraft already in operation. Meanwhile, CalFire is working to ensure water supplies for firefighting efforts by deploying generators to power water pumps.
President Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California, enabling immediate access to funds and resources for impacted communities and survivors. The Administration continues to work closely with state and local officials, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, to support ongoing containment and recovery efforts. Progress is being made on active fires, with coordinated efforts to mitigate further devastation and assist affected residents.
President Biden congratulated Joseph Aoun on his election as President of Lebanon by an overwhelming majority of Parliament. He emphasized that Aoun's leadership is critical for Lebanon's recovery and rebuilding, especially following the cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the U.S. six weeks earlier. Biden highlighted the challenges faced by Lebanon, including war, financial crisis, and a lack of national leadership over the past two years. He expressed confidence in Aoun’s ability to guide Lebanon toward peace, security, sovereignty, and reconstruction. The U.S. pledged support for Lebanon as it partners with the international community.
President Biden delivers eulogy at a memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter
His eulogy was wonderful. I heard it without seeing it, and there are no age issues when you hear him. I applaud and thank President Biden for all he has done. He is a true statesman as is Jimmy Carter. We are now facing a dreadful felon and amoral human as president but both Biden and Carter remind me that we have many good humans too. I have hope that we can endure this....