On 3/15/2023, Joe Biden said his administration was focused “intensely” on lowering health care costs and took aim at “MAGA” Republicans who he said are intent on dialing back Medicare coverage for millions of Americans. Biden used a speech in Las Vegas where he was wrapping a three-day Western swing to make the case there are stark differences in how Democrats are tackling skyrocketing drug prices compared to their Republican counterparts. The president sought to make the contrast as he gears up for an expected reelection announcement. The speech in Las Vegas could serve as an early preview of the campaign ahead as Biden aims to make his efforts at lowering drug costs central to his policy and political agenda.

Only one person claps after Joe Biden promises, “There’s a lot more coming” from his administration, “And here’s the deal: We promised these things, and they haven’t seen it. I don’t know whether you’ve been surprised, but the number of people who have come up to me after January 1st saying, “I cut — you cut my insulin costs. Thirty-five dollars.” Like, “I didn’t believe government would really do it.” But there’s a lot more coming. A lot more coming. And, again, let me end by thanking the medical people that are here and the students. It really matters. “

Joe Biden once again says he “cut the deficit,” which just is not true.

Biden stops his speech, motions to the balcony: “Oh wow, I didn’t see you all up there. Don’t jump!” Biden said, “Almost 100,000 Nevadans get their healthcare through the Affordable Health Care Act. And 300,000 have coverage because of expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Health Care Act. Unfortunately, my MAGA — and, by the way, I mean it sincerely — this is not a broad criticism of all Republicans. This is not your father’s Republican Party. This is a different breed of cat now that’s in charge. No, but I — but think — think about it.

Biden on House Republicans: “This is a different breed of cat now that’s in charge.” “Almost 100,000 Nevadans get their healthcare through the Affordable Health Care Act. And 300,000 have coverage because of expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Health Care Act. Unfortunately, my MAGA — and, by the way, I mean it sincerely — this is not a broad criticism of all Republicans. This is not your father’s Republican Party. This is a different breed of cat now that’s in charge. No, but I — but think — think about it.”

Karine Jean-Pierre Can’t Even Answer Basic Question on Banking
On 3/16/2023, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre couldn’t even answer a basic question on banking when asked if Biden supports or opposes further bank consolidation.

Reporter: So the Biden administration has expressed a lot of concern in the past about consolidation in other sectors. You’ve spoken about meatpacking, shipping, ocean shipping, oil companies. Are you worried that this crisis surrounding several regional banks could lead to a consolidation, a concentration in the larger banking sector? And — and then I’ll have another one.

MS. Jean-Pierre: So, promoting competition in our — in the American economy, we see that as a priority … promoting capita- — capitalism — sorry, competition — pardon me — specifically encourages the Justice Department — in consultation with the Fed, the FDIC, and Comptroller of the Currency — to revitalize merger and oversight …

Reporter: But, I mean, the question is: Are you concerned, and what can you do about it? You know, to ev- — as — as consumers are now making decisions, having seen what happened with SVB and with Signature, what’s happening now with First Republic, you know, what tools do you have to push back against a further concentration in this critical sector?

MS. Jean-Pierre: So, look, as it relates to specific banks and institutions, you know, I would — I would — I would refer you to the relevant banking regulators. So I’d leave that there. And that’s why the President — but, more broadly …

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HYGONews Week’s Most Popular Stories 3/19/23, Biden budget, SVB bailout, bank consolidation