Psaki Claims Florida “Done Little” to Distribute School Funds, Biden Says He “Proposed” Not “Promised,” Dismisses Russia Question

On 1/21/2022, Press Secretary Jen Psaki claimed Florida — where schools had been 100% open since fall 2020 — had “done little to distribute money” from the American Rescue Plan to keep schools open. Biden said he could not take questions because reporters would “ask me all about Russia,” walked away from reporters shouting questions about Russian aggression, and changed his language from “promise” to “propose” when confronted about broken campaign pledges. VP Harris commemorated the first anniversary by calling it “a time defined by uncertainty” before her speech was cut off by technical issues after just 90 seconds.

Psaki: Florida “Done Little”

A reporter asked which states or school districts Biden was referring to when he said “not every district has used the money as well as it should be used.” Psaki singled out Florida. “An example would be Florida, where they have done little — little to no steps to distribute money,” she said.

The claim drew immediate scrutiny. Florida had kept its schools fully open for in-person learning since fall 2020 — far earlier than most Democrat-run states and cities. The implication that Florida needed to “distribute money to keep schools open” was undercut by the fact that Florida schools were already open.

”I Proposed — I Didn’t Promise”

Biden drew a telling distinction when confronted about unfulfilled campaign pledges. “I know how things have changed — if you say something in the campaign, it’s a promise to get it done,” Biden said. He then reframed his commitments: “My overwhelming regret is I haven’t had you at the White House because of COVID. So many of you did so much.”

When pressed on specific commitments, Biden pivoted: “I proposed — I didn’t promise.” The shift from “promise” to “propose” marked a significant rhetorical retreat from his campaign-era assurances.

Biden Flees Russia Questions

Biden refused to take questions about the escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis. “The reason we’re not going to have any time for questions now is these guys got to get quickly on the plane and go out and do a major announcement in Ohio,” Biden said. “And you guys will ask me all about Russia and not about anything having to do with chips.”

He then walked away as reporters shouted questions. Psaki later defended Biden when a reporter asked about a hot-mic incident: “The president certainly does not dismiss the idea of proactive deterrence considering he has taken a lot of steps including supporting and approving the several sanctions put out by the Treasury Department.”

When asked about Senator McConnell’s call to send forces to shore up NATO’s eastern flank “now, before it’s too late,” Psaki said: “We work in close coordination with our NATO partners and allies.”

Harris: “Defined by Uncertainty”

Vice President Harris attempted to mark the administration’s first anniversary at a DNC event but her remarks were plagued by problems. Harris described the first year as “a time that is defined by uncertainty.” Just 90 seconds into her speech, the video was cut off by technical issues.

”Not Familiar” With Intel in China

A reporter asked whether the White House was concerned about Intel’s presence in China, given Biden had just hosted an event with the company. Psaki appeared caught off guard. “I’m not familiar with all of the specifics of their engagement in China, so I’d have to check with our team,” she said.

Splitting Build Back Better

Psaki faced questions about whether the White House would try to break Build Back Better into pieces that could attract bipartisan support. When a reporter asked which policy proposals might get 60 votes, Psaki turned the question back. “You tell me — are there 10 Republicans who are supporting? I’m not aware of one,” she said. “If there are 10 Republicans who want to come support the child tax credit or something else, great, they’re welcome.”

She confirmed the focus remained on passing a partisan package through reconciliation. “Absolutely,” she said.

NBC Poll: Majority Disapprove on Pandemic

A reporter cited an NBC poll finding more than half of Americans disapproved of Biden’s handling of the pandemic. “Do you ask yourself how you managed to be upside down with these numbers?” the reporter asked. Psaki blamed Trump: “The American people were a year into this — they suffered under President Trump with mismanagement.”

Key Takeaways

• Psaki claimed Florida — where schools had been 100% open since fall 2020 — had “done little” to distribute money to keep schools open.
• Biden changed his language from campaign “promises” to “proposals” when held accountable for unfulfilled pledges.
• Biden refused to take Russia questions, saying reporters would “ask me all about Russia,” and walked away from the press.
• VP Harris described the first year as “defined by uncertainty” before her DNC speech was cut off by technical issues after 90 seconds.
• Psaki was “not familiar” with Intel’s China presence despite Biden hosting the company at the White House the same day.

Transcript Highlights

The following is transcribed from the video audio (unverified — AI-generated from audio).

• An example would be Florida, where they have done little — little to no steps to distribute money.
• I know how things have changed — if you say something in the campaign, it’s a promise to get it done. No, I proposed. I didn’t promise.
• You guys will ask me all about Russia and not about anything having to do with chips.
• We mark the first year of the Biden-Harris administration. It is a time that is defined by uncertainty.
• I’m not familiar with all of the specifics of their engagement in China.
• Are there 10 Republicans who are supporting? I’m not aware of one.

Full transcript: 1259 words transcribed via Whisper AI.