Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

August 15, 2024

National Economy

Q. Mr. President, will Bidenomics continue under Vice President Harris? Will Bidenomics continue under Vice President Harris?

The President. It doesn't matter what the hell you call it, the economy is going to continue.

Withâall the legislation we passed, it's working. In case you haven't noticed, it's working.

2024 Presidential Election

Q. How much does it bother you that Vice President Harris might soon, for political reasons, start to distance herself from your economic plan?

The President. She's not going to.

Q. You don't think she's going to?

[*At this point, several reporters spoke at once.*]

Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire and Hostage Release Deal Negotiations

Q. Can you talk to us about the fact that Hamas is not there at the negotiating table?

The President. They're represented by both the Qataris and the Egyptians. The negotiating is going on right as I speak. I just got off the phone.

Q. And are you expecting the Vice President to differentiateââ

Venezuela's Presidential Election

Q. What's your message for Maduro? What's your message for Maduro? What's your message for Maduro? Do you support new elections in Venezuela?

The President. I do.

Former President Donald J. Trump

Q. Mr. Trump said he wants to "make America affordable again." Your response?

The President. [Laughter] Well, he ought to get a job.

Vice President Kamala D. Harris

Q. When will youâwhen will the Vice President hold a news conference? When will the Vice President hold a news conference?

The President. You have to ask her.

Q. And also, sir, in Sudanââ

Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire and Hostage Release Deal Negotiations

Q. Will thereâwill there be a deal, sir? Will there be a deal for the hostages in Israel? [The President crossed his fingers.]

Q. Sir, Sudanââ

Q. Do you have any regrets?

Q. Sirââ

Q. Do you have any regrets?

The President. Talking to you guys.

Q. Sir, Joe Donnelly, the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, sirââ [Several reporters spoke at once.]

U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican City)

Q. Sir, Joe Donnelly, the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy Seeâare you going to name a new Ambassador, sir, to the Holy See?

The President. Are you interested? Are you interested? All right. We can talk.

Q. Who are you going to pick as the new Ambassador to the Holy See? [The President pointed to the sky.]

The President. I've got to check with my mom.

NOTE: The President spoke at 12:36 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House prior to boarding Marine One. A reporter referred to President Nicolas Maduro Moros of Venezuela. Audio was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters, White House. Locations: Washington, DC.

Names: Harris, Kamala D.; Trump, Donald J.

Subjects: Economic improvement; Gaza, conflict with Israel; Hamas political-paramilitary organization; Holy See (Vatican City), U.S. Ambassador; Israel, military operations in Gaza; News media, Presidential interviews; Venezuela, democracy efforts; Vice President.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400699.