President Joe Biden commented on Democrat Stacey Abrams not attending his speech on voting rights in Atlanta, Georgia, saying they got their scheduling “mixed up.”
Biden told reporters he is “insulted” at the suggestion that Abrams is skipping the events on purpose.
“I spoke to Stacey this morning. We have a great relationship. We got our scheduling mixed up. I talked with her at length this morning. We’re all on the same page. And everything’s fine,” Biden said.
Joe Biden says Stacey Abrams is skipping his event in Georgia today because “we got our scheduling mixed up.” ? pic.twitter.com/V0vEpcALyY
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 11, 2022
NBC News’ Kelly O’Donnell asked Biden what he risks politically on voting rights when he knows the state of the Senate.
“I risk not saying what I believe,” Biden said. “This is one of those defining moments…where were they before and where were they after the vote.”
He continued, “History is going to judge this…And so the risk is making sure people understand just how important this is.”
NEW: I asked the president what he risks politically on voting rights when he knows the Senate opposition. "I risk not saying what I believe in..history will judge…where were they before and where were they after the vote…" pic.twitter.com/Uer1hA0PbC
— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) January 11, 2022
One of Abrams’ aides told The New York Times she has a scheduling conflict, as IJR reported.
Still, she tweeted, “The fight for voting rights takes persistence. As MLK exhorted, ‘The clock of destiny is ticking out. We must act now before it is too late.’ Thank you, [President Biden], for refusing to relent until the work is finished. Welcome back to Georgia where we get good done.”
According to an excerpt of Biden’s remarks released by the White House, he is expected to say, “The next few days, when these bills come to a vote, will mark a turning point in this nation. Will we choose democracy over autocracy, light over shadow, justice over injustice? I know where I stand. I will not yield. I will not flinch. I will defend your right to vote and our democracy against all enemies foreign and domestic. And so the question is where will the institution of United States Senate stand?”
