This week’s seven states going through the first and second families is just the beginning: the White House is mapping a multi-week campaign – in the red and blue states – to sell the COVID stimulus.
Why does it matter: President Biden’s top advisers see the $ 1.9 trillion relief bill, which Biden signed on Thursday, as the key to solidifying his political fortunes. The bill’s strong bipartisan approval ratings provide Democrats with the opportunity to beat Republicans in the states that will determine elections in the foreseeable future.
What we’re hearing … The Biden team divided each day into themes emphasizing different benefits of the bill, according to an administration official familiar with the plans:
- Today, Biden will launch what he is calling the “Help is Here” campaign with a speech at the White House. Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will headline a launch event in Nevada. Dr. Jill Biden, a teacher, will travel to New Jersey to emphasize the impact of the bill on schools and students.
- Tuesdays the theme will be “help for small businesses”. The president will fly to Pennsylvania, and the vice president and the second gentleman will visit Colorado.
- Wednesday – “school aid” – will feature the first lady in New Hampshire and the second gentleman in New Mexico.
- Thursday – “help to stay at home” – will highlight measures in the account to cover late rent, protect people from eviction and help people living on the streets.
- Friday – “help immediately with direct checks” – will have Biden and Harris in Georgia.
Biden, who has not yet given a press conference as president, gave an individual interview to George Stephanopoulos of ABC, which will air on Wednesday on Good Morning America.
- Other management employees, including cabinet secretaries, will conduct regional and national interviews and events this week to further expand the campaign, the official said.
- Biden will play Gene Sperling, director of the National Economic Council under Presidents Obama and Clinton, to oversee the implementation of the massive aid package, the Washington Post reported for the first time and Axios’ Hans Nichols confirmed.