With ‘Independence’ From COVID In Sight, Biden Urges Americans To Do Their Part To Fight Pandemic

March 11, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: U.S. President Joe Biden holds a roundtable meeting with Americans who will benefit from the COVID-19 pandemic relief checks that are a part of the American Rescue Plan on March 5, 2021 in ... WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: U.S. President Joe Biden holds a roundtable meeting with Americans who will benefit from the COVID-19 pandemic relief checks that are a part of the American Rescue Plan on March 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. The participants are Alma Williams, George Kerr, and Lyda Vanegas. The American Rescue Plan is currently being debated in the Senate after being passed in the House of Representatives. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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March 11, 2021

In his first primetime speech on Thursday night, President Biden acknowledged the losses the country is reeling from one year into the COVID-19 pandemic while expressing optimism about the steps his administration has taken to move the country towards a sense of normalcy.

After expressing his condolences for the lives lost amid the pandemic, Biden outlined the steps that remain to get the disease under control and his vision for what the looks like in the coming months.

The President announced that all American adults will be eligible for the vaccine by May 1 and that his administration has set a goal of the country gaining “independence” from COVID-19 by July 4. Biden stressed that the ability to have small gatherings in time for Independence Day depends upon the public doing its part by continuing to adhere to mitigation strategies to reduce the spread of the coronavirus — and that Americans get vaccinated as soon as they can.

Biden also said that the public can expect further guidance from the CDC “in the coming weeks” about what Americans can do once fully vaccinated.

Read our live coverage of the speech below.

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In his first primetime speech on Thursday night, President Biden acknowledged the losses the country is reeling from one year into the COVID-19 pandemic while expressing optimism about the steps his administration has taken to move the country towards a sense of normalcy.

After expressing his condolences for the lives lost amid the pandemic, Biden outlined the steps that remain to get the disease under control and his vision for what the looks like in the coming months.

The President announced that all American adults will be eligible for the vaccine by May 1 and that his administration has set a goal of the country gaining “independence” from COVID-19 by July 4. Biden stressed that the ability to have small gatherings in time for Independence Day depends upon the public doing its part by continuing to adhere to mitigation strategies to reduce the spread of the coronavirus — and that Americans get vaccinated as soon as they can.

Biden also said that the public can expect further guidance from the CDC “in the coming weeks” about what Americans can do once fully vaccinated.

Read our live coverage of the speech below.

Notable Replies

  1. BFD Biden deserves a victory lap. We put him in office and he delivered, along with maybe the help of God or maybe FSM, and most definitely with the help of the voters of Georgia. .

  2. Biden is thinking several steps ahead. He is going to tell States that they should fully open up vaccine eligibility by no later than May 1. That means states are being encouraged to open up eligibility now. The vaccine supply is only going to grow. Take advantage of the March-April period to get everyone vaccinated.

    Biden recognizes that we are in a race against time with the variant and dumb governors like DeSantis and Abbott. We’ve only vaccinated 10% of Americans but we’re opening up way too fast and some like Abbott are also trashing mask wearing. The variant is now a higher percentage of new cases so we’re going to face a surge. The only way to fight it is with masks and vaccinations. Biden is stepping up the vaccination schedule so that whatever surge happens can be contained to the April time frame.

  3. At this point, Amazon Prime may be asking him for advice for improving their service.

    (Like 80lbs+ lugged by a skinny 100 pounder, may require a dolly or splitting the load. Pet peeve is I am noticing some of the prime delivery folks are both under powered and under trained for the work. They are going to have injuries. )

  4. Avatar for sandi sandi says:

    As Josh & others have pointed out, it is electorally important to get good press & associate these improvements with Biden & the Dems.

    It strikes me that Biden is able to take advantage of his white male privilege in this effort. Had Obama touted himself more, he would have been uppity. I believe Hillary would have faced similar roadblocks.

    A great example of the best use of privilege. Go, Joe!!! And THANK YOU for being competent & caring.

  5. My god, look what diligence and competence can accomplish …

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