On 9/7/2022, during the Biden White House press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to comment on Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s declaration that California is “in the lead” on energy as the state suffered massive power outages amid a blistering heat wave. Jennifer Granholm on Tuesday said California is “in the lead” on energy and can “show the rest of the nation how it is done.” Meanwhile California’s grid operator is telling utilities to prepare for rotating power outages. California’s Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom is also asking people to turn off their lights and not use appliances to avoid power outages amid soaring temperature. A reporter asked Jean-Pierre if Biden agrees that California is “in the lead” on energy transition. “I’m not gonna comment,” Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Jean-Pierre said she “can’t comment” on a judge ordering the President Joe Biden administration to hand over its emails with social media companies. Jean-Pierre refused to say if President Joe Biden agrees California is an “example” of the energy “transition.” Jean-Pierre laughed when asked why President Joe Biden hasn’t done a sit-down interview in months.
Reporter: a federal judge — talking the about the social media lawsuits from Missouri and Louisiana. A federal judge ordered that you have 20 days to turn over emails communicating with social media companies over misinformation and disinformation. What are those emails going to show?
KJP: So, I can’t comment. You asked me this question last week. I can’t comment on any specifically ongoing litigation. And so, again, I’d refer — would refer you to Department of Justice …
Reporter: But what about if those communications are still happening? Are there frequent contacts between the administration and social media companies?
KJP: So, I’ll say this. You know, as we have said before, there has been ongoing work, dating to the Trump administration … Again, this is litigation that is ongoing and is currently happening — clearly, that’s why it’s ongoing. And so, I would refer you to Department of Justice on that.
Reporter: And then one more then. Last Friday, the Energy Secretary said that green technology in California — that that state was in the lead and showing the rest of the nation how it’s done. The state is currently bracing for blackouts. They’ve set ambitious goals. And, you know, yet, in particular, their governor is asking folks there not to charge their electric vehicles. Does the President agree that California is an example for the rest of the country as it transitions?
KJP: I haven’t seen those specific statements — I would like to see it in fuller context — that the Secretary has made. So I’m not going to comment on something that I haven’t seen in full. But if you have another question, I’m happy to take it.
Reporter: Sure. So, by my count, the White House — you know, you’ve gotten a lot done this summer. And certainly, there’s a lot —
KJP: Really? Have we? (Laughter.) I think we’ve said that a few times.
Reporter: the President has a lot
KJP: And you guys have reported it, too. So —
Reporter: The — the President —
KJP: You guys have backed this up. (Laughs.)
Reporter: Well, so, all of your accomplishments aside, the President still hasn’t done a sit-down interview in over 200 days. Is he dodging us? Is there a reason why he doesn’t want to do a sit-down?
KJP: Oh, absolutely not. The President loves talking to you all. He takes your questions all the time. He took Peter’s question last Friday. I’m sure Peter was excited about that.
Reporter: It was the last question he took.
Reporter: I have another.
KJP: No, he did take a — (laughter) — he actually — Ed, he took another question when we were — when we were traveling.
Reporter: But in all seriousness, a sit-down interview is much different than when the President has —
KJP: No, I hear you. I hear you. The President is going to —
Reporter: — 10 or 15 seconds.
KJP: — he is happy to talk to you all. As you know, he does it multiple times during the week. I don’t have a sit-down interview to announce or provide or — or schedule at this time. And, you know, look, the — you guys know Joe Biden. He’s been a senator for 46 years. He was Vice President for eight years. And, you know, you guys have followed him and have had multiple conversations — some of you, sit-down conversations — with him. And — and once we have something to share, we will share that.
(A reporter sneezes.)
KJP: Bless you. Bless you.
Reporter: Sweet gracious. (Laughter.)
KJP: Take that outside, Ed. Do you need — do you need a tissue.
Reporter: No. We’re good. Carry on.
KJP: (Laughs.)
Reporter: I’ll keep my mask on.
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WH: Biden takes your questions all the time, California lead energy, Judge ordering emails with social media companies.