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Rebuilding in the Midwest and South, Our National Responsibility

Wed, 11 May 2011 18:05:07 -0400

Earlier today, Vice President Joe Biden visited Berkeley, Missouri – a St. Louis suburb severely damaged by a recent wave of tornadoes that swept through the area. The Vice President’s visit came on the heels of Missouri's disaster declaration – a step that will expedite federal assistance to the region as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Vice President Joe Biden tours tornado damage with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, Berkeley Mayor Kyra Watson, FEMA Assistant Administrator for response Bob Fenton and homeowner Djuna Miller, in Berkeley, Missouri, May 11, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Joined by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Berkeley Mayor Kyra Watson, Vice President Biden took a walking tour of one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods, talking with local homeowners affected by the storms and pledging to help get “roofs back over their heads” as soon as possible. “We know people’s lives are disrupted … it’s all about giving people a shot to repair or relocate,” the Vice President said. “We get it, we understand it, and we’re on top of it.”

From Missouri to Alabama, rebuilding the homes, towns and cities devastated by tornadoes and floods and helping communities recover across the Midwest and the South is a “national responsibility,” said Vice President Biden.

Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary for the Vice President

Building on the “Reset” – The Vice President’s Visit to Moscow

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:43:09 -0500

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the American Chamber of Commerce and Russian students at Moscow State University, in Moscow, Russia, March 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Today, before a packed auditorium at Moscow State University, Vice President Biden delivered a powerful speech to U.S. and Russian students and business leaders. Echoing messages conveyed during his earlier meetings with Russian President Dimitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin over the course of his three-day visit, Vice President Biden hailed the successful “reset” of U.S.-Russian relations and reiterated his call for broader economic cooperation between the two countries.

Vice President Joe Biden, talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the Gorky Dacha outside Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden greets Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at the Russian White House, in Moscow, Russia, March 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Issuing the strongest support yet for Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization, the Vice President said,“it’s better for Americans and better for Russians to be able to trade with each other under predictable and transparent rules.”

On the issue of human rights and the status of democracy and the rule of law in Russia – a topic discussed at length in meetings with Russian civil society and political opposition leaders earlier today, the Vice President said: “History showsthat in industrialized societies, economic modernization and political modernization must go hand and hand.”

Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Ambassador John Beyrle talk with civil society leaders at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Moscow, Russia, March 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Yesterday, the Vice President and Dr. Biden visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden. As a military honor guard looked on, the Vice President observed a moment of silence in recognition of the Russian soldiers who died in World War II and ceremonially placed a wreath that read “To those who fell in the fight against fascism, from the American people.”

Vice President Joe Biden observes a moment of silence during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin Walls in Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Later, the Vice President attended a signing ceremony for the sale of Boeing 777 jets to Aeroflot – which will support more than 10,000 jobs at home - in the impressive building of the Moscow School of Management at Skolkovo, an area that Moscow hopes to develop into the Russian equivalent of Silicon Valley. Afterwards, he and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov led a roundtable discussion with Russian and American business leaders. The Vice President added that beyond negotiations between our governments, the U.S. is also relying on the growing connections between Russian and American business leaders and leaders in civil society to build a comprehensive relationship between the U.S. and Russia.

Vice President Joe Biden, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov watch as Boeing Russia CEO Sergey Kravchenko and Aeroflot General Director Vitaly Saveliev sign an agreement for Aeroflot to purchase Boeing Jets at Skolkovo School of Management in Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden holds a roundtable discussion with American and Russian business leaders and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov at Skolkovo School of Management in Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Commemorates International Women’s Day in Finland

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:43:33 -0500

Vice President Biden spent most of this 100^th Anniversary of International Women’s Day with Finnish President Tarja Halonen and Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi (both women!).

Vice President Joe Biden walks with Finnish President Tarja Halonen at the Presidential Palace, in Helsinki, Finland, March 8, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

In his remarks with President Halonen, the Vice President said: “Finland has been a leader in the world, a pioneer when it comes to women having the right to an equal place in society. And I believe that to be the single greatest moral imperative of our time.”

He went on to say, “The single most significant thing we can do in the 21st century to improve the prospect of peace and security is to educate more women and to have women, particularly in other parts of the less developed world, have equal access to opportunity.”

Vice President Joe Biden stops for a photo with Finnish Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi at the House of Estates, in Helsinki, Finland, March 8, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

“And if there’s any nation in which I can stand with on the 100^th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, this is the most appropriate place to stand,” the Vice President added.

After his visit to Finland, the Vice President headed to Russia to build on the “reset” in U.S.-Russian relations, with a focus on ways to further the prosperity of our two countries. On Thursday, he will deliver a speech on U.S.-Russia relations hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia at Moscow State University.

Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden and Finnegan Biden arrive in Moscow, Russia, March 8, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Biden’s Visit to Alabama

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:36:40 -0400

Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour of the boom repair area by Walt Dorn of Patriot Environmental Services, at the Theodore Staging Area in Alabama, July 22, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Today, Vice President Biden traveled to Theodore, Alabama to assess efforts to counter the BP oil spill. During the visit, the Vice President toured the Theodore Staging Facility and met with fisherman and small business owners from the area. He was joined by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco.

Workers pressure wash inflatable boom at the Theodore Staging Area in Alabama, July 22, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Afterwards, Vice President Biden delivered a statement to the press. The Vice President stressed the Administration’s commitment to restoring the Gulf Coast:

We’re not going to stop until this area, all the entire Gulf, has recovered; until the economy of the Gulf is revitalized and literally a way of life is restored. Because we’re not just talking about a natural ecosystem that’s in danger down here, we’re talking about an economic ecosystem. We’re also talking about a cultural ecosystem, a whole way of life.

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to workers and the press at the Theodore Staging Area in Alabama, July 22, 2010. (by David Lienemann)

He said, “Whatever it takes to make this Gulf right, we’re going to make it right.” This is Vice President Biden’s second trip to the Gulf Coast to survey recovery and relief efforts.

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to workers and the press at the Theodore Staging Area in Alabama, July 22, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary to the Vice President

On Board With The VP – Day 3 In Kenya

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:15:37 -0400

Today was the day of the Vice President’s big speech in Kenya to area university students. This speech was a centerpiece of his visit because he spoke directly to the Kenyan people about the importance of the constitutional referendum coming up in August, which could lead to major reforms in the country.

He started with a profound message: “I come here as a representative of the United States to say one thing: We stand with you on your journey to a secure, free, democratic, and prosperous Kenya.”

And he closed by quoting President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the end of his letter to Prime Minister Kenyatta on December 10, 1963 – the day of Kenya’s independence: “May the responsibilities of freedom wake the best that is in you, and may its benefits be known by generations yet unborn.”

Watch today’s video showing behind-the-scenes footage of the Vice President as he reviews, prepares and delivers today’s speech.

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Vice President Joe Biden takes questions from university students after a speech at Kenyatta International Conference Center, Nairobi, Kenya, June 9, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

A university student takes a photo of Vice President Joe Biden as he takes questions from after a speech at Kenyatta International Conference Center, Nairobi, Kenya, June 9, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden's motorcade en route to US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger's residence, Nairobi, Kenya, June 9, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary to the Vice President

On Board with the VP: Day 2 in Kenya

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:27:24 -0400

Vice President Joe Biden walks with President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a visit to the State House in Nairobi, Kenya. June 8, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The Vice President was in Kenya today at a pivotal moment--just weeks before a major constitutional referendum. Earlier this morning he met jointly with Kenya's President and Prime Minister to encourage their active support for reform (Watch their statement to the press after the meeting here). He also stopped by Kenya's Parliament to meet privately with the Speaker, as well as the Reform Caucus. Both the Vice President and Dr. Biden visited the August 7th Memorial Park to lay a wreath in memory of the more than 200 people killed by the 1998 embassy bombing in Nairobi.

Next up--The Vice President gives a major speech on Wednesday on U.S.-Kenyan relations at the Kenyatta International Conference Center.

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden lay a wreath on the memorial stone during a visit to the August 7 Memorial park which memorializes those who were killed or injured in the 1998 embassy bombings in Nairobi, Kenya. June 8, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden trace their hands during a visit to the August 7 Memorial park which memorializes those who were killed or injured in the 1998 embassy bombings in Nairobi, Kenya. June 8, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden meets with the reform caucus of parliamentarians in the library at the parliament building in Nairobi, Kenya. June 8, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary to the Vice President

On Board: The Vice President and Second Lady in Egypt

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:48:53 -0400

The Vice President and Dr. Biden were in Sharm el-Sheikh today on the first leg of their week-long trip to Egypt, Kenya and South Africa. Watch this video to hear directly from the Vice President and Second Lady on their meetings today with President and Mrs. Mubarak. Check back this week for more "On Board" updates from the Vice President's trip.

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Vice President Joe Biden meets with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, June 7, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden meet with U.S. Army soldiers at the airport in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, June 7, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary to the Vice President

Vice President Biden Brings the MCTF Back to DC

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:48:52 -0500

Vice President Joe Biden and the Middle Class Task Force have traveled all across the country to highlight and seek input on key initiatives aimed at restoring middle class prosperity. We’ve been to in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Denver, Colorado, talking about jobs in the green economy; Perrysburg, Ohio, discussing the future of manufacturing; and St. Louis, Missouri and Syracuse, New York, meeting with students and educators about college access and affordability. Now, the Vice President is bringing the conversation back to our nation’s capital.

On Thursday, November 5th, Vice President Biden will bring together a panel of experts to talk about the unique challenges facing middle class Americans in the 21st century economy. The panel will discuss how those challenges relate to changes to the overall labor market in recent decades; shifting gender roles and the need for work-life balance in today’s economy; economic inequality and mobility; the increased gap between productivity and wages; and much more.

Check back later this week to see how the discussion goes and for more information on the White House’s Middle Class Task Force, visit obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/StrongMiddleClass.

Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary to the Vice President

"You've Got to Believe" - Building the Cars of the Future in America

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:01:53 -0400

(Vice President Joe Biden announces that Fisker Automotive of Irvine, California will build plug-in electric sports cars at the shuttered GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware, Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann) October 27, 2009. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The cars of the future are coming, and they will be built right here in the United States. Vice President Joe Biden echoed that sentiment today as he announced that the former GM Boxwood Manufacturing Plant in Wilmington, Delaware was reopening for business. With the help of the Administration, loans from the Department of Energy, commitment from the state of Delaware, and the dedication of the American workforce, Fisker Automotive will soon begin manufacturing long-range, plug-in, electric hybrid vehicles at the Boxwood Plant. By 2014, the company plans to roll 75,000 to 100,000 plug-in, hybrid sedans off the assembly line each year.

The excitement in the crowd today reminded us that American innovation and manufacturing built the automotive industry in the 20^th century – now, we will rebuild and retool it during the 21^st century in a more efficient, inventive, and environmentally friendly way. As the Vice President said today: “American innovators, American business, American labor has never let this country down when we've been given a fighting chance. And today, this factory in Delaware, and the industry, are going to get back up off the mat.”

The future is now and Americans are investing in the new automobile. Not just the manufacturing, but all aspects of the supply chain—from engineering the battery to powering the cars, from building the materials needed for assembly to shipping the finished product all over the world. As the Vice President said: “Imagine an America that has freed itself from the grip of the oligarchs of oil by plugging their cars into a new electric grid of renewable energy based on wind and solar and geothermal. Imagine a world where people pop the hood of their cars and they see stamped on the battery ‘Made in America.’"

Soon, we won’t have to imagine.

Vice President Joe Biden announces that Fisker Automotive of Irvine, California will build plug-in electric sports cars at the shuttered GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware, Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann October 27, 2009. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary to the Vice President