President of the United States

10/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 09:25

Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure

South Lawn

9:30 A.M. EDT

Q Mr. President, can the country afford the port strike? Can the country afford these ships to stay off (inaudible)?

THE PRESIDENT: I think we're making progress on that.

Q How much progress, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: We'll find out soon.

Q What kind of sanctions -

Q Any updates on -

Q What kind of sanctions are you considering on Iran? What kind of sanctions are you considering?

THE PRESIDENT: I'll tell them before I tell you.

Q Did Tim Walz lose the debate?

Q Any updates on the hostages - on the hostages in Gaza, sir?

Q Did Tim Walz lose the debate?

THE PRESIDENT: No, he didn't. And, by the way, the other guy lost the debate. He misrepresented everything, including - anyway, I -

Q Sir - the hostages in Gaza, sir. The hostages in Gaza. Do you have any updates on them?

THE PRESIDENT: Not - not right now.

(Cross-talk.)

Q Would you support Israel striking Iran's oil facilities, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: We're in discussion of that. I think - I think that would be a little - anyway.

Q Do you believe that Donald Trump was acting as a private candidate and not as president when he sought to overturn the 2020 election, as Jack Smith laid out in his filing?

THE PRESIDENT: I'll let Jack Smith make that case.

(Cross-talk.)

Q (Inaudible) response to the retaliation? Will you let Israel retaliate? What are the plans to allow Israel to strike back against Iran?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, we don't allow Israel. We advise Israel. And there's nothing going to happen today. We'll talk about that later.

Q G20 and APEC Summits next month. Is it a good chance to sit down with President Putin to discuss international security?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm sorry?

Q G20 and APEC Summits next month. Is it a good chance to discuss international security and Ukraine with Putin?

THE PRESIDENT: I doubt whether Putin will show up.

Q Are you surprised the race between Harris and Trump is so close right now? Are you surprised?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I'm not. It always gets this close. She's going to do fine.

9:32 A.M. EDT