President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a New Year's Eve interview that America is better positioned to lead the world than any other country and commented on its holiday meals.
The Bidens appeared via satellite from their beach vacation in St. Croix with host Ryan Seacrest on ABC's New Year's Rockin' Eve show from Times Square.
Seacrest asked the couple what their hopes were for 2024, with Biden making no mention of the possible rematch with Trump, which appears to be the most likely scenario for the presidential election, but alluding to how he felt he had improved America.
“I hope everyone has a healthy, happy and safe New Year, but more than that I hope they understand that we are in a better position than any other country in the world to lead the world. “We're coming back and it’s time,” said President Biden, 81.
Seacrest also asked the Bidens about their memories and highlights of 2023, with the president again trying to talk about his presidency.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a New Year's Eve interview that America is better positioned to lead the world than any other country and commented on its holiday meals
He told a story that began with an anecdote from his late father and a promotion of his policy to return Americans to work.
“One of the big highlights for me is…my dad used to have a look on his face.” He would say, “Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck, it's about your dignity, it's about respect,” said President Biden.
“So many people in the Midwest and the middle of the country have had their jobs moved overseas in the last few years, they've lost hope and faith.”
“We've brought a lot of jobs back to the United States, people are now able to make a living. “They've created a lot of jobs, 14 million.”
“I guess I just feel good that the American people have stood up.” They've been through a tough time of the pandemic, but they're coming back. “We’re back,” he added.
The First Family was also asked about their holiday eating habits, with the president pointing out his love of ice cream.
“I ate everything that was put in front of me,” Biden said. “Pasta I love.” I eat a lot of chicken, chicken parmesan.”
First Lady Jill, 72, reminded her husband that he had also eaten ice cream, with the president saying it tasted like “chocolate chips.”
The Bidens appeared via satellite from their beach vacation in St. Croix with host Ryan Seacrest on ABC's New Year's Rockin' Eve show from Times Square
She also referred to her work as a teacher and hoped for a positive mood in 2024.
“I think that's what I would always tell my students: Be positive, be optimistic, be kind to each other. 'Happy New Year.'
Despite the hopeful message, the president faces a difficult 2024, dealing not only with domestic and foreign issues but also a possible rematch with Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election as the country's oldest president ever to win.
Biden has tried to manage a number of crises. From Ukraine to the Middle East to the Mexican border, he juggled the demands of international allies and friends and foes in Congress from the White House.
He continues to be plagued by voter doubts about the strength of the economy, concerns about the security of the U.S.-Mexico border and concerns about crime.
The ongoing investigation into the business dealings of the president's son Hunter Biden and the impeachment inquiry announced this week will continue to cause headaches next year.
Immigration will also continue to be a significant problem, with cities like New York and Chicago struggling to accommodate the influx.
Biden's absence from Washington DC this week is emblematic of Republicans' perception that the administration is doing absolutely nothing to address the critical problem.
People cross the Rio Grande to surrender to authorities in Brownsville, Texas to begin their immigration process, seen from Matamoros, Mexico
In recent days, migrants from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Honduras have arrived in El Paso
According to authorities, at least 10,000 migrants arrive at the US-Mexico border every day, including many asylum seekers. A refugee caravan with thousands of people from across the region – mostly Venezuelans – moved through southern Mexico this week and is approaching the United States
The border has been a headache for Biden for months, and his approval ratings continue to slide: Only 38 percent of voters say they approve of his handling of immigration, compared to 46 percent in November.
Republicans are also trying to gain some political influence in upcoming negotiations in January over a supplemental spending package that will address Ukraine, Israel and the situation at the border.
Voters are still worried about the economy after watching everything from rent to food prices skyrocket in a year of huge, still-above-average inflation.
Inflation was still at 3.1 percent last month, below the peak of 9.1 percent in June 2022, but refused to fall below the Federal Reserve's 2 percent target.
American workers are finding it hard to be excited about easing inflation because most of their wages don't yet make up for the damage done to their households.
President Biden hasn't had much luck with the overheating post-Covid economy, supply chain problems and the war in Ukraine since taking office.
According to recent polls, his approval of the economy averages just 32.7 percent, while his disapproval is at 57.9 percent.
President Joe Biden wants the American economy to be reported “correctly” as voters turn against him over the rising cost of living
About 71 percent of Americans think the country's economy is going in the wrong direction, and only 5 percent of Republicans and 58 percent of Democrats rated it as excellent or good.
According to a New York Times poll of five key swing states, former President Donald Trump has a clear lead on the issue, 59 percent to 37 percent.
Inflation-adjusted income has fallen by just over 1 percent since he took office and was 3 percent higher at the same time during Trump's presidency.
Poll after poll has shown that his positive message that he is the best person to lead the economic recovery from the pandemic is falling on deaf ears.
Aides say privately that he will step up his campaign events in the new year.
For his supporters, it can't come soon enough. He has seen his lead over Trump dwindle over the past six months.
In a head-to-head matchup, our poll in June had Biden ahead by one point; one point behind in September and October and now three points behind.
Even if Trump fails to accept the Republican nomination, Biden is likely to have difficulty in November.
JL Partners surveyed 984 likely voters across the country from December 15-20. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, but show former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley performing best among Republican competitors against Joe Biden
Haley would beat President Joe Biden by five points if the 2024 election were tomorrow
There are still 16 days until Republicans in Iowa become the first in the country to select their preferred candidate for the 2024 election. An exclusive poll suggests Nikki Haley is the candidate best able to beat President Joe Biden.
Our poll of 984 likely voters shows she would beat Biden by five points if the election were held tomorrow.
By contrast, former President Donald Trump would win by three points while Ron DeSantis would lose by two points, reinforcing the feeling that his presidential campaign is on life support.
Shares of Haley, the former South Carolina governor, have risen in recent weeks, driven by a series of strong debate appearances and key endorsements.
And the results of our poll with JL Partners underscore her case that she is better positioned than other candidates to win the 2024 election.
That gives her 40 percent support to Biden's 35 percent in a head-to-head contest.
Trump would get 46 percent to Biden's 43 percent, while DeSantis would get 41 percent to Biden's 43 percent, all with a 3.1 percent margin of error.