WASHINGTON —Before his Thursday trip to Belvidere, Illinois, to celebrate a labor deal with autoworkers, President Biden spoke to the media on Israel and another looming government shutdown.
Click here to watch the exchange or read the text released from the White House.
Q Mr. President, why the delay in getting hostages out?
THE PRESIDENT: We’re hopeful. Things are moving along.
Q Did you ask for a three-day pause to Netanyahu?
THE PRESIDENT: You know I’ve been asking for a pause for — for a lot more than three days (inaudible).
Q Did you ask him to pause for three days to get the hostages out for that length of time?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes. I’ve ask- — asked for even a longer pause for some of them.
Q Mr. President, we’re eight days from a shutdown — the shutdown — government shutdown. Just eight days. Can you give us an update on what you’re thinking on how to — to move past that?
THE PRESIDENT: I wish the — the House would just get to work. I’m not being facetious. I mean, this is not a political statement. The idea we’re playing games with a shutdown at this moment is just bizarre. And I think that we ought to be able to combine Ukraine and Israel. We ought to be able — and I’m open to discussions on the border, and I’ve already made some proposals. But there’s just no need for any of this.
Q Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement, Mr. President, with Shawn Fein?
THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me?
Q Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement with Shawn Fein when you meet him?
THE PRESIDENT: Will I bring up the endorsement?
Q The issue of an endorsement. He has a — the UAW hasn’t endorsed you yet.
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, no. They’re going to be fine.
Q Mr. President, were you frustrated with Prime Minister Netanyahu that he has not listened more to some of the things you have asked him to do?
THE PRESIDENT: It’s taking a little longer than I hoped.
Q They’re taking a little bit longer?Q Do you support the UAW’s efforts to unionize Tesla and Toyota, Mr. President? THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. Thank you.