It was caught on camera.
During a recent briefing on hurricane recovery efforts, President Biden humorously referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “president,” following an interruption from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who reminded him to pass the microphone to Harris. The briefing took place in the Roosevelt Room, where Biden discussed the administration’s focus on restoring power and clearing debris after severe weather events impacted several states.
Biden expressed sympathy for those affected by the tornadoes, floods, and other destructive forces associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton, stating that many have lost their homes, possessions, and even lives. He noted that he has been in contact with numerous officials from states such as North Carolina and Florida to coordinate recovery efforts. Estimates indicate that Hurricane Milton alone may have caused around $50 billion in damages.
In terms of casualties, North Carolina reported at least 92 deaths linked to Hurricane Helene, while Florida confirmed eight fatalities due to the tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton. The situation remains critical, with over 3 million residents in Florida still without power. Despite the challenges, approximately 50,000 power line workers have already restored electricity to over 1 million customers.
Biden reassured the public of the federal government’s active involvement in recovery operations, which includes agencies like FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers. He also criticized false claims circulating on social media about the inadequacy of federal response efforts. As he concluded his remarks, Granholm reminded him to yield the floor to Harris, prompting Biden to joke about her being his “boss.”
In her address, Harris emphasized the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies to deliver essential supplies, including food and medical resources, to those in need. She also mentioned her discussions with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about addressing potential price gouging following the disasters. Harris assured affected communities in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas of the administration’s dedication to supporting both immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding efforts.
