We’ve noted that President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill are spending their Thanksgiving in Nantucket, Massachusetts, at the home of David Rubenstein (co-founder and co-chair of The Carlyle Group).
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While the Bidens are enjoying a relatively quiet holiday, they, along with grandson Beau, did pay a visit late Thursday morning to the Nantucket Fire Department and Rescue station, where they delivered pumpkin pies to some of the first responders and exchanged pleasantries (and ball caps) with the police and fire chiefs.
For Thanksgiving, Pres. Biden visits first responders at Nantucket Massachusetts fire house with Jill Biden and grandson Beau. pic.twitter.com/DJTyALFPUO
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) November 28, 2024
Following that, Biden spoke with reporters and answered several questions.
“You turn on the television you don’t see a lot of good news. Even if something is good news it doesn’t seem to to sell very well. If you turn on TV everything looks bad. Exceedingly small number of people watching mainstream television & reading newspapers”
– Biden in Nantucket pic.twitter.com/73cnfMrLeG
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) November 28, 2024
Per the White House Press Office readout regarding the exchange:
Biden told reporters he has spoken to all three Americans who were released from China this week. “I’m really happy they are home,” Biden said.
Biden, asked about President-elect Trump’s plans to impose new tariffs on Canada and Mexico: “I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do,” Biden said, adding. “We’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships.”
The president was also asked about relations with China: “We have reached a relationship with a status quo regarding China … we set up a hotline between President Xi and myself, as well as a military – a direct line. One thing I’m confident about Xi is he doesn’t want to make a mistake. I mean it sincerely,” Biden said.
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But it was his remarks regarding the transition between his administration and that of President-elect Donald Trump that caught my attention (emphasis added):
“I want to make sure this transition goes smoothly. I want to make sure it goes smoothly. All the talk about what (Trump) may do or not do – I think there may be an internal reckoning on his part .. so it remains to be seen.”
Biden was also asked at the top of the Q&A what he is thankful for – he responded “my family, the peaceful transition of the presidency, and I’m thankful by the grace of God we were able to make more progress in the Middle East, I’m really thankful for being able to get the first peace done in Lebanon.” He said he was “thankful to Americans. … there is nothing beyond our capacity.”
Aside from repeating the mantra he’s had since the election of wishing for a smooth transition, Biden’s observation regarding Trump struck me as almost optimistic. While it’s hard to be certain what Biden meant by “an internal reckoning” on Trump’s part, to me, it reads as though he’s sensed a change in Trump — as many have noted, particularly since the failed assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July — one he believes is for the better.
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In any event, it’s a notable change in tone and attitude about the incoming president — a far cry from garbage and fascism. Perhaps some on the left would do well to take a cue from that.
