- Biden spoke of past traditions of bipartisanship since his tenure in the Senate
- He called Jeffries “the man who is going to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
President Joe Biden predicted that Democrats would wipe out Republican control of the House of Representatives in the November elections — and made the comment in a speech headlined by bipartisan cooperation.
Biden, 81, who is himself engaged in a fierce battle against Donald Trump, made the comment in opening remarks at the annual congressional picnic at the White House. He discussed the key Democratic leaders there, even passing over top Republican leaders, but with rank-and-file lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
Biden named “the man who will be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries,” after recognizing Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, whose own majority status could be in jeopardy with multiple Senate Democrats face tough races.
Biden also praised Democratic Senate Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whom he called the “greatest speaker in American history.”
When it came time to recognize former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Biden got a response from first lady Jill Biden when he asked the audience’s always risky question: “Where is Steny Hoyer?”
“He’s with the beer,” said Jill Biden, who also spoke.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed lawmakers to the White House, at an event where Biden said Democrat Hakeem Jeffries would be the next president
Then it appeared Biden was making a good-natured dig at Maryland, where a Senate seat is at stake this election cycle.
“Steny Hoyer lives on the western shore of Delaware – Maryland,” he said.
The comment about Jeffries, who many experts say could be elevated after a year of extraordinary dysfunction in the Republican-led House, came in a speech in which Biden talked about times during his 36-year career when lawmakers should spend more time together Spending time. .
The event brought together Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), a fierce Donald Trump loyalist, together.
Biden stopped for selfies during the event
The president spoke about his time in the Senate dining room
The event consisted of beer and lemonade
The event brought together Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) together
Pretty excited in pink: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and his wife Ginger attend the congressional picnic on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2023
Hakeem Jeffries would likely be the next speaker if Democrats take the House
Biden briefly recognized Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), seated with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients (R)
Biden even mentioned congressional delegations abroad that spouses were allowed to join.
‘It’s cameraderie. “At that time, we all got along, even though we had real differences,” he said.
Biden also said he had “a little bit of a sore throat” as he prepared to leave for France to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day.
