President Joe Biden warned Americans not to remain in Ukraine if Russia threatens an invasion.
Biden stated that “American citizens should flee now” in an interview with Lester Holt, NBC News anchor.
“It’s not as if we’re dealing in terrorist organizations. We are dealing with one the largest armies worldwide. He said that it was a different situation and that things could get crazy fast.”
Holt asked Biden about the scenario that would lead him to send troops to help fleeing Americans. Biden said, “There isn’t.” It’s a war between the United States and Russia when they start firing at each other.
He said, “We are in a very new world than we have ever been.”
Separately, on Thursday, the State Department issued a warning that the U.S. would not be able “to evacuate U.S citizens in the event that Russian military action anywhere is Ukraine.” The advisory warned that regular consulate services — including helping citizens leave the country — would be severely affected.
A U.S. military intelligence assessment has shown that the Russian military could launch an invasion with tanks capable of reaching Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, in less than 48 hours.
Biden claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “foolish” enough to enter, but smart enough to not do anything that would have a negative impact on American citizens.
“Have I ever told him that?” Holt asked.
“Yes,” Biden responded.
“You told him that Americans would be unable to cross the line.” Holt asked.
“I didn’t have to tell him that. I’ve talked about it. Biden stated that he knew this.
According to a senior administration official, Biden will host a virtual meeting with leaders from the United Kingdom, France and Germany in the morning. According to the White House, leaders will “discuss our common concerns about Russia’s ongoing buildup of military force around Ukraine and continue coordination on diplomacy as well as deterrence.”
Indoor mask mandates
Biden indicated that lifting indoor mask mandates may not be possible because it is too early to lift the requirements that apply federal government offices as well as public buildings.
California, Connecticut and Oregon, all led by Democratic governors, announced this week that they would be easing or eliminating mask mandates.
Biden referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saying, “I have committed that I would adhere to the science as presented by the CDC and federal persons, and I think it is probably premature but it’s a difficult call.”
Biden responded to a question about whether masks should be required in schools. This is another issue that has been debated at the state level. The CDC recommends wearing masks where there are more than 50 new cases per 100,000 people, or where the test positivity rate is greater than 8 percent. This recommendation still applies to most of the country .
“When I took office, only 46 per cent of schools had been opened. Biden stated that 98 percent are now open and some of them wear masks. Children are becoming more secure every day. We are now close to being able have shots for children younger than 7 years old and children as young as 7. The more protection children have, the less you will need to wear the mask.
Supreme Court
Biden stated that there was a “deep dive” on four nominees for his nomination to replace Justice Stephen Breyer. Breyer announced last month that he would be stepping down from the Supreme Court after the current term.
He said, “The shortlist is made up of nominees who have exceptional qualifications and are well-documented.” They were honor students. They come from the top universities. They have both bench and practice experience.
Breyer, one of three liberal justices serving on the court alongside six conservatives is retiring after more than 27 year. His retirement will not alter the court’s political leanings.
Biden stated that he would fulfill his campaign promise to choose a Black woman. This was criticized by some Republicans.
Biden predicted that the person he chooses would find support from Republicans.
He said, “I’m looking for someone that is not ideologically motivated.” “I’m looking to replace Judge Breyer with someone who has the same capacity Judge Breyer had, and is open-minded, understands the Constitution, and interprets it in a manner that is consistent with mainstream interpretations of the Constitution.”
Make it better
Biden also addressed the inability of Democrats to pass his social safety net bill, and blamed that partially on a messaging issue.
Biden stated that he believes he hasn’t sold the idea well, and added that people now realize what the proposal could offer.
After centrist Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said that he wouldn’t support the bill, negotiations on fell apart at last year’s end. Manchin stated that he is open to restarting negotiations but that negotiators would “start from scratch”.
A source close to the discussions said that Democrats are looking at ways to sweeten the Manchin deal by adding deficit reduction provisions.
