Share
Commentary

Watch: Reporter Hits Psaki with the Facts After Biden Tries to Take Credit for Trump Vaccine Deal

Share

A New York Times reporter called out the Biden administration in a news conference for attempting to take credit for the deal between rival pharmaceutical companies Johnson & Johnson and Merck & Co. to help manufacture coronavirus vaccines.

“We are now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” President Joe Biden said Tuesday, according to The Blaze.

In addition to the news, Biden took a jab at former President Donald Trump’s vaccine plan. “When we came into office, the prior administration had contracted not nearly enough vaccine to cover adults in America,” he said.

Following the announcement, one reporter promptly corrected Biden’s claim — and hit White House press secretary Jen Psaki with the hard facts.

“On the timing of the administration’s efforts to help pull this deal together — you said that it was within, I think, the last few weeks — is that what you had said?” the White House correspondent for The Times, Michael Shear, asked.

Trending:
Hillary Clinton Jumps Into Trump 'Bloodbath' Frenzy with a Question, Doesn't Want to Hear the Answers
Are you planning on getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

“We wrote our first story in The New York Times about a possible partnership between Merck and J&J for manufacturing on Jan. 21. That was when it published. So, and my understanding was that talks between those companies had been in the works before that even in terms, sort of, the corporate discussions between them. So could you help explain how it is that the Biden administration deserves credit for bringing these two together when it looks like the discussions had been underway long before you guys got here?”

Psaki attempted to make a distinction that because the deal was finalized under the current presidency, it was something worth celebrating.

“Well, just to be clear, I’m talking about when it was finalized so that we could move it forward,” Psaki said.

“Of course, there are conversations between companies, but in terms of getting it to a point — and obviously, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was only approved last weekend, right, and we were waiting on the FDA to make the final approvals of the vaccine — but there’s a difference between conversations and it moving forward,” the press secretary continued.

“I’m only conveying what got it across the finish line, and I think it’s clear that that has only happened relatively recently,” Psaki added, according to The Blaze. “But certainly the history of conversations between Merck and J&J, long before the J&J vaccine was even approved, you know, you certainly might have more information on than I do.”

It has been known for a while now that there would be enough vaccines for all Americans by the end of May, and the Biden administration trying to pass that off as an accomplishment specific to the current president is somewhat specious.

Related:
Joe Biden Gets New 'Transport' Shoes That Have to Be Seen to Be Believed

The truth, despite the popular leftist narrative, is that the previous administration jump-started the public-private partnership with Operation Warp Speed, and was able to get a vaccine developed in a record amount of time.

Whether or not the distribution process set up by the Trump administration with the states was effective is fair game for criticism, but the Trump team undoubtedly paved the way to bring an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden came into office as the winter surge came to a close and as more Americans got vaccinated, so it is no surprise that his team is trying to bask in the glory.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , , , , , , , ,
Share
Cameron Arcand is a former writer for The Western Journal.
Cameron Arcand is a political commentator based in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2017 as a school project, he founded YoungNotStupid.com, which has grown exponentially since its founding. He has interviewed several notable conservative figures, including Dave Rubin, Peggy Grande and Madison Cawthorn.

In September 2020, Cameron joined The Western Journal as a Commentary Writer, where he has written articles on topics ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Recall Gavin Newsom" effort and the 2020 election aftermath. The "Young Not Stupid" column launched at The Western Journal in January 2021, making Cameron one of the youngest columnists for a national news outlet in the United States. He has appeared on One America News and Fox 5 DC. He has been a Young America's Foundation member since 2019.
Location
Phoenix
Languages Spoken
English




Conversation