May 28, 2021 News & Press Releases

What People Are Saying About President Biden’s Visit to Virginia


by Democratic Party of Virginia

President Biden and Gov. Ralph Northam tout progress, partnership, and economic recovery opposed by Republican Glenn Youngkin

Richmond, VA — Today, President Biden visited Virginia to highlight the commonwealth’s progress in the fight against COVID-19 and the ongoing economic recovery. Thanks to Democratic leadership, two-thirds of Virginia adults have received a COVID vaccine, and the commonwealth has seen new lows in COVID cases and unemployment recently. 

Despite hardline opposition from Republicans such as Glenn Youngkin, President Biden and Democrats in Congress have led the way and delivered critical economic relief for working families and small businesses across Virginia. 

See and read coverage on President Biden’s visit and Virginia’s progress below.

The Washington Post: Biden visits Virginia to tout progress against pandemic, end of restrictions

President Biden joined Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam at an indoor rock-climbing facility in Alexandria, Va., Friday to tout progress against the coronavirus pandemic in both the state and nationwide.

Northam credited the scientists who created the coronavirus vaccines, and the ordinary Virginians who’ve taken them, for making the easing of the restrictions possible. He said 66 percent of Virginia adults have had at least one dose and 54 percent are fully vaccinated, placing Virginia 14th among all states and first in the South. [...]

Northam credited Biden for the way his administration has handled the production and distribution of vaccines to the states, saying it "makes a big difference when leadership respects science and follows its lead." Biden, in turn, praised Northam, a pediatric neurologist by training, calling him "one of the best governors in the country" on the basis of his handling of the pandemic.

"Governor, I really mean this, I’m not being political, you’ve done one hell of a job, doc," Biden said. "You’ve done a hell of a job. It matters. It matters."

NBC Washington: Biden Praises Northam After Virginia Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions

President Joe Biden offered high praise for Virginia’s governor in remarks at a climbing gym in Alexandria on Friday, hours after the state lifted all distancing and capacity restrictions. Masks are still required in some settings. [...]

The president praised the governor for his leadership.

"You’re one of the best governors in the country at taking this on, and you did it from the beginning," he said.

Richmond Times-Dispatch: 'We're getting our lives back,' Biden says, joining Northam to mark lifting of Va. COVID restrictions

Biden said Virginia has gone from 43,000 cases the week before he took office to 2,800 in the past week. He noted that about 55% of Virginians 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

"We're not just saving lives, we're getting our lives back," Biden said at Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria. "Stores and restaurants up and down Main Street are hanging 'open' signs on their front doors. [...]

Northam, speaking before Biden, said that on Friday Virginia marked "a tremendous milestone in our fight against COVID-19." Calling the lifting of limits on gatherings and capacity "something we can all be proud of," Northam added: "We are closer to a more normal life than we have been in the past 14 months."

WRIC: President Biden, Virginia Gov. Northam celebrate state’s progress in fight against COVID-19

During the last 129 days, Virginia has experienced a continued decline of COVID-19 cases and increased vaccination rates.

"Today we mark a tremendous milestone in our fight against COVID-19," Northam said.

In the last seven days, the current COVID-19 case rate is 32 cases per 100,000 population. This is down 13% from last week. [...]

Virginia is on track to meeting Biden’s goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated with at least one dose by July 4.

AP: Biden marks vaccine progress, thanks troops ahead of holiday

The president [...] used the day to thank Americans who have already received vaccinations —about 51% of Americans are now fully vaccinated — and again urged Americans who haven’t to get their shot.

"All over the country we’ve gone from pain and stagnation of a long dark winter to an economy on the move," Biden said. He added, “Americans of every party, race, creed have come together and rolled up their sleeves — literally — and done their part.” [...]

Biden later traveled to Joint Base Langley Eustis, in the state’s Tidewater region, to thank U.S. troops for their service. After beginning with an emotional remembrance of his late son Beau, a veteran, Biden acknowledged the unheralded sacrifices made by the service members and their families.

"You are the very best of what America has to offer," Biden said.

Courthouse News Service: Biden Lauds Pandemic Progress Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

On route to his native Delaware for Memorial Day weekend, President Joe Biden stopped in nearby Virginia with the first lady Friday to tout the progress that the commonwealth — and indeed the nation — has seen in beating back Covid-19.

"After a very long year, there’s finally a bright light at the end of the tunnel," Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said as he welcomed the presidential couple. [...]

Vaccines have been steadily flowing in America since the Biden administration swept into the White House, with the U.S. pandemic response strategy shifting in short order. In place of the patchwork tactics of the Trump administration where a decentralized response reined supreme, Biden has augured in a more free-flowing federal-state partnership and assistance program.

On Twitter

Paul Begala"Gov, I mean this. And I am not being political. You have done one hell of a job, Doc." @POTUS, saluting Virginia’s physician-governor, @GovernorVA. Pres. Biden is right. Having a Gov who believes in science & medicine & public health; in unity & equality has been a blessing.

Mayor Justin Wilson: Could not be more excited to welcome @POTUS to Alexandria’s Eisenhower Valley at @SRclimbing as he recognizes the progress our City, Commonwealth and nation have made in recovery.

Thanks for your leadership as our City and nation gets back on its feet.

Onward!

Rep. Elaine Luria: I’m thrilled to welcome President Joe Biden (@POTUS) and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) back to Hampton Roads today at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

ABC News Politics: Pres. Biden: "All over the country, we've gone from pain and stagnation of a long dark winter to an economy on the move, growing faster than it has in nearly 40 years."

Joey Garrison: Biden touts economic, Covid progress in speech at Alexandria, Va.: "All over the country, we've gone from pain and stagnation of a long, dark winter to an economy on the move, growing faster than it has in nearly 40 years."  

"But let me be clear: We're not done yet," he adds.

Evan Watson: .@POTUS thanks service members for how they carry out their duty “without expecting anything for it, you deserve so much more.” 

"We owe you, you do your job so gracefully...there’s nothing Jill and I enjoy more than spending time with our troops."

ABC This Week: Pres. Biden: "If we succeed, we can celebrate our independence from the virus together on the Fourth of July, as we celebrate our independence as a nation. And the future is only going to get brighter."

Patrick Ward: POTUS announces that 62% of Americans have gotten at least one shot, and 10 states have hit 70%. President Biden previously set a goal of 70% for the nation by July 4. More than a month out, Virginia where he delivered his remarks is at 66%.

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