West Wing Week 2/14/14 or, "The Red, White, and Blue -- and the Blue, White, and Red"

February 13, 2014 | 4:14 | Public Domain

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President hosted the first State Visit for the French President in 20 years, signed the farm bill and raised the minimum wage for federal contractors. That's February 7th to February 13th or, "The Red, White, and Blue -- and the Blue, White, and Red"

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The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Romanian President Traian Basescu

In a telephone call today with Romanian President Traian Basescu, Vice President Biden discussed regional developments and expressed appreciation for Romania’s continued contributions to NATO missions. The United States has a profound interest in Romania’s success as a democratic partner with strong rule of law as we pursue our shared global responsibilities and our strategic partnership.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2014

Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden to Travel to the Republic of Chile and the Dominican Republic

WASHINGTON, DC – The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden will travel to the Republic of Chile and the Dominican Republic in the second week of March.  In Chile, the Vice President will lead the U.S. delegation to the Inauguration of Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet.  In Santo Domingo, the Vice President will meet with President Danilo Medina to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, as well as regional cooperation.

Additional details about the Vice President and Dr. Biden’s trip will be released at a later date.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 12, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

The Vice President hosted His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan for breakfast at the Naval Observatory.  The Vice President and the King discussed ongoing efforts to bring about a political transition and an end to the conflict in Syria.  They spoke about how best to address the growing threat of violent extremism fueled by the Syrian conflict.  The Vice President and the King agreed on the urgent need for greater humanitarian access inside Syria and continued support for Syrian refugees and host communities.   The Vice President voiced U.S. support for the King’s efforts to achieve political and economic progress.  Both sides expressed appreciation for the enduring strength of the U.S.-Jordan partnership.  The King will meet with President Obama in Rancho Mirage, California, on Friday.  

Vice President Biden Hosts a Luncheon for President Hollande

February 11, 2014 | 26:05 | Public Domain

Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry will host a lunch in honor of President Hollande at the Department of State.

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West Wing Week 02/07/14 or "POTUS Cam!"

Adam Garber
Adam Garber
February 07, 2014
02:30 PM EST

This week, the President urged action on long-term unemployment, hung out on Google+ for his first virtual road trip, announced major private-sector commitments to expand broadband Internet for students, spoke with both House and Senate Democrats, and joined the First Lady for the National Prayer Breakfast. The First Lady helped students get a leg up with filing for financial aid, and the Vice President unveiled Amtrak’s new Cities Sprinter electric locomotive.

Related Topics: Jobs, College Affordability, Economy, Education, Inside the White House, Technology, Maryland, Virginia

West Wing Week 02/07/14 or "POTUS Cam!"

February 05, 2014 | 5:43 | Public Domain

This week, the President urged action on long term unemployment, hung out on Google for his first virtual road trip, announced major private sector commitments to expand broadband internet for students, spoke with both House and Senate Democrats, and joined the First Lady for the National Prayer Breakfast, while she helped students get a leg up with filing for financial aid, and the Vice President unveiled Amtrak’s new Cities Sprinter electric locomotive.

Download mp4 (221MB)

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 07, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades

In a call today with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Vice President Biden expressed appreciation for the Republic of Cyprus as a key partner in a vital region.  The Vice President reiterated our commitment to deepening cooperation with Cyprus to advance our mutual interests.  He committed to exploring new opportunities to promote Cyprus’ economic recovery and growth and to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the island and the region.  Finally, Vice President Biden underscored unwavering U.S. support for a just and lasting settlement to achieve the re-unification of Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, looked forward to successful resumption of the U.N.-led talks in the coming days, and encouraged creative thinking on ways to improve prospects for success.

Vice President Biden Speaks at the Annual United Auto Workers Conference

Carri Twigg
Carri Twigg
February 06, 2014
04:58 PM EST
V020514DL-0099

Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks to the United Auto Workers National Community Action Program Conference, in the grand salon of the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C., Feb. 5, 2014. In attendance are Mary Beth Cahill, Director of United Auto Workers Washington DC office, and Bob King, President, United Auto Workers. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

“Collective bargaining is the bedrock of our economy. It’s not just about you. It’s about economic growth,” the Vice President remarked at the United Auto Workers annual Community Action Program (CAP) Conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday February 5th.

His remarks highlighted the contributions and sacrifices made by labor that led to the success of the auto industry recovery.

“No one gave more at the office to rescue the industry than labor,” stated the Vice President and drawing attention to the layoffs, wage freezes, and reduction in health care benefits that employees sacrificed.

The Vice President told the crowd and reminded those listening that, “You guys at the UAW not only saved the auto industry, you saved the heartbeat of American manufacturing,” emphasizing that it was thanks to labor that Chrysler and General Motors emerged from bankruptcy. Since then, the industry has added 380,000 jobs; including 8,300 in December of 2013.

Carri Twigg is an Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement and serves as the White House liaison to the labor community.
Related Topics: Jobs, Manufacturing, Economy

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 04, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych

In a call today with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Vice President Biden urged President Yanukovych to take advantage of every opportunity, including offers of international support, to reduce tensions and build trust with the people of Ukraine in order to find a political solution to the crisis.  This includes taking immediate steps such as pulling back riot police, releasing detained protesters, and establishing accountability for those responsible for beatings and attacks on journalists and protesters.  Vice President Biden emphasized that the only viable path to peace and stability in Ukraine is through continued dialogue and genuine compromise to form a new government that can earn the confidence of the Ukrainian people.