Topline
President Joe Biden on Friday argued the country’s rising vaccination rate was the first sign he’s delivering on his promise to unify the nation, even as he said Congress—which was voting down a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riots— seems more divided than ever.
President Joe Biden speaks at Sportrock Climbing Centers, Friday, May 28, 2021, in Alexandria, Va. ... [+]
Key Facts
Speaking in Virginia, Biden said if the U.S. is able to reach his July 4 goal of vaccinating 70% of adults, it will be the “first real evidence” the country is coming together.
Biden said he believed the “American people are more ready to come together” than “Congress and elected officials.”
In a remarkable split screen, Biden spoke just as Senate Republicans voted down legislation that would create a commission to study the January 6 Capitol riot.
Key Background
Earlier this month, Biden called on the U.S. to vaccinate 70% of U.S. by July 4—a date he had previously set for the U.S. to return to some semblance of normalcy. That’s also the percentage that many health experts believe would be necessary to reach a protective “herd immunity” against the virus.
Big Number
62%. That’s the percentage of adults who have received one dose of a vaccine. Ten states have already passed the 70% mark: Vermont, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.
Crucial Quote
“When I ran for office I said I wanted to do three things, one of which was to unite the country," Biden said Friday. "It’s difficult. But this is the first real evidence that we’re able to do it.”
Further Reading
35 Senate Republicans Block Jan. 6 Commission In First Filibuster Of Session (Forbes)
These Ten States Have Already Reached Biden’s July 4 Vaccine Goal (Forbes)
