President Biden addressed several pressing issues before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn on October 3, 2024. He mentioned progress in resolving the ongoing port strike, although details were not provided. On potential sanctions against Iran, Biden indicated that discussions are ongoing. When asked about the hostages in Gaza, he stated that there were no updates at the moment. Regarding Israel’s potential strike on Iran’s oil facilities, Biden said the matter is under discussion but suggested caution. He also commented on the close race between Vice President Harris and former President Trump, expressing confidence in Harris’s performance.
Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure
Q Mr. President, can the country afford the port strike? Can the country afford these ships to stay off (inaudible)?
THE PRESIDENT: I think we’re making progress on that.
Q How much progress, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: We’ll find out soon.
Q What kind of sanctions —
Q Any updates on —
Q What kind of sanctions are you considering on Iran? What kind of sanctions are you considering?
THE PRESIDENT: I’ll tell them before I tell you.
Q Did Tim Walz lose the debate?
Q Any updates on the hostages — on the hostages in Gaza, sir?
Q Did Tim Walz lose the debate?
THE PRESIDENT: No, he didn’t. And, by the way, the other guy lost the debate. He misrepresented everything, including — anyway, I —
Q Sir — the hostages in Gaza, sir. The hostages in Gaza. Do you have any updates on them?
THE PRESIDENT: Not — not right now.
(Cross-talk.)
Q Would you support Israel striking Iran’s oil facilities, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: We’re in discussion of that. I think — I think that would be a little — anyway.
Q Do you believe that Donald Trump was acting as a private candidate and not as president when he sought to overturn the 2020 election, as Jack Smith laid out in his filing?
THE PRESIDENT: I’ll let Jack Smith make that case.
(Cross-talk.)
Q (Inaudible) response to the retaliation? Will you let Israel retaliate? What are the plans to allow Israel to strike back against Iran?
THE PRESIDENT: First of all, we don’t allow Israel. We advise Israel. And there’s nothing going to happen today. We’ll talk about that later.
Q G20 and APEC Summits next month. Is it a good chance to sit down with President Putin to discuss international security?
THE PRESIDENT: I’m sorry?
Q G20 and APEC Summits next month. Is it a good chance to discuss international security and Ukraine with Putin?
THE PRESIDENT: I doubt whether Putin will show up.
Q Are you surprised the race between Harris and Trump is so close right now? Are you surprised?
THE PRESIDENT: No, I’m not. It always gets this close. She’s going to do fine.
October 03, 2024 Washington, DC
Top Questions for President Biden from Republicans
and Democrats After October 3 Remarks”
Republican Questions:
- Is President Biden being transparent enough about his plans for sanctions on Iran?
- Why is Biden reluctant to comment on Israel’s potential strike against Iran’s oil facilities?
- Is the Biden administration doing enough to handle the ongoing port strike’s impact on the economy?
Democrat Questions:
- How confident is President Biden in Vice President Harris’s ability to secure victory against Donald Trump?
- What specific progress has been made in the negotiations to resolve the port strike?
- Why hasn’t the Biden administration provided updates on the hostages in Gaza?
Sources: White House WH.gov , Midtown Tribune