( Post Millennial )
In his first sit down interview in 7 months, President Joe Biden declared that the pandemic is over. What began in early 2020 has now been officially called, though Biden did say that we "still have a problem with Covid."
60 Minutes' Scott Pelley asked "Mr. President, first Detroit Auto Show in three years. Is the pandemic over?"
Biden had attended the auto show, sitting down behind the wheel of a snazzy new electric Corvette.
"The pandemic is over," Biden said. "We still have a problem with COVID. We're still doing a lotta work on it. It's—but the pandemic is over. if you notice, no one's wearing masks. Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape. And so I think it's changing. And I think this is a perfect example of it."
Biden and his Democrat party have pressed for Covid-inspired restrictions since he took office, including forced masking and vaccine mandates, along with school, business, and church closures.
The pandemic inspired Democrats to push for wide-spread mail-in voting, which is in place in many areas in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections, which will decide which party holds a majority in Congress.
During the interview, Biden addressed inflation, gas prices, supply chain issues, and jobs numbers. Foreign policy was also on the table, with Biden saying that Ukraine, with the help of massive US spending, have exhibited "incredible bravery" and "incredible determination."
They are "not losing a war," he said. Biden said that the US has an "ironclad committment" to helping Ukraine fight Russia.
Biden also told 60 Minutes that in the event that China attacked Taiwan, the US would swoop in to their aid.
"Would US Forces defend the island?" Pelley asked.
"Yes," Biden said, "if in fact there was an unprecedented attack."
The White House, 60 Minutes reported, walked that back, as they have done in the past when Biden made claims that the US would "militarily defend" Taiwan.
Pelley sought to clarify, however, "So unlike Ukraine, to be clear, sir, U.S. Forces, US men and women would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion?"
"Yes," Biden said.