WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) – President Joe Biden gave a stimulating talk to a California woman who was fired because of the coronavirus pandemic, during a conversation that the White House said was part of an effort to help it engage more consistently with regular Americans.
The White House released a two-and-a-half-minute video of Biden’s telephone conversation with Michele Voelkert on Saturday, identifying her only as Michele.
After losing her job at a new clothing company in July, she wrote a letter to Biden. He read it and called her.
The woman from Roseville, California, told Biden “it has been a difficult time” trying to find work.
Biden, who was speaking from his desk in the Oval Office, replied that his father used to say that a job involves dignity and respect as much as it is a paycheck. He described his $ 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, which provides for payments of $ 1,400 to people like Voelkert and other financial aid for individuals and small businesses. There is also money to help distribute coronavirus vaccines.
“I have been saying for a long time that the idea that we think we can keep business open, moving and thriving without dealing with this pandemic is just an obstacle,” said Biden.
Sacramento Bee said he spoke to Voelkert, 47, after the call. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime,” she said. “I’m still flying high.”
The conversation is part of an effort to help Biden, who has limited his travels because of the pandemic, to communicate directly with Americans, the White House said. Biden flew to Wilmington, Delaware on Friday to spend the weekend at home with his family.
“There is an established tradition in the country of hearing the president in this way,” said press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday when previewing the video. She referred to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats” and the establishment of a weekly radio speech by Ronald Reagan.
The radio address grew to include a video version seen on the internet. The practice, however, lapsed with former President Donald Trump.
Biden’s weekly address will be produced in a variety of ways, said Psaki.
Later on Saturday, Biden left his home for a regular X-ray of his right foot, which he broke in late November while playing with his dog Major.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s doctor, said in a statement released by the White House that the “10-week weight-bearing X-ray after the injury” was to ensure that Biden regained stability in his ligaments.