Five Strange Joe Biden Town Hall Moments You Might Have Missed
On Thursday evening, President Joe Biden addressed a town hall meeting in Baltimore.
The president spoke about China's aggression, the filibuster, and gas costs at the CNN event, which was hosted by Anderson Cooper. He also revealed facts about the stalled talks to pass his multibillion-dollar social safety net package.
On the Build Back Better Act, Biden stated categorically that he would not support Senator Joe Manchin's proposal for a work condition for the child tax credit. He also mentioned that paid parental leave has been decreased from 12 weeks to four weeks.
There were also a few out-of-the-ordinary moments. Here are a few examples...
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- Make-believe Jet Pack
Biden claimed during a town hall meeting in July that recent price increases were merely near-term inflation. Economists told The Wall Street Journal last week that high inflation would likely continue beyond 2022, and Cooper questioned Biden if he agreed.
Biden extended his forearms out, elbows at perfect angles, and fists clinched in the nearly 20 seconds it took the host to set up the topic.
NEWSWEEK SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS > Several Twitter users said that the president appeared to be clutching a "imaginary jet pack."
In response to Cooper's question, Biden stated that unless "we don't make these investments," he does not believe high inflation will persist. He went on to say that he expects gas costs to drop "through next year, 2022."
- 'You Don't Have to Pay a Cent'
Biden was also questioned on the prospect of higher taxes for the rich.
The president's response centered on corporations, telling them that he wished they prospered but that they should be careful "At the very least, contribute your fair part. Contribute a little."
"In the United States of America, for example, you have 55 firms that make over $40 billion and don't pay a cent—not a single tiny red cent," he continued.
Biden formed a circle with his index and thumb and put it up to his eye as he murmured "don't pay a cent."
It's hardly the first time the president has employed hushed tones to create dramatic effect.