CHARLESTON / HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – After airing Thursday night, WSAZ’s exclusive interview with Vice President Kamala Harris attracted national attention.
On Friday morning, the White House answered questions about the appearance of the vice president at two stations – one in Arizona, the other on WSAZ.
The interview even surprised U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, DW.Va. On Friday morning, Manchin visited one of the COVID-19 vaccination clinics in West Virginia. His visit comes just one day after the vice president spoke to Amanda Barren of WSAZ about the proposed “American rescue plan” (ARP).
“I saw [the interview], I could not believe it. Nobody called me [about it], ”Manchin said. “We’re going to try to find a dual path forward, but we have to work together. This is not a way to work together. ”
During a press conference in the White House, press secretary Jen Psaki answered questions on a number of topics, including the vice president’s appearance on two local television stations on Thursday.
“We want to address the issue to the American people across the country (…) This is a way to do it,” Psaki said.
Psaki was then asked by a reporter why Arizona and West Virginia were specifically chosen.
“I think [the vice president will] do a number of additional local calls and local interviews, just like team members, “Psaki replied.
If passed, ARP will give $ 1400 checks to virtually every American. However, Sench Manchin believes payments should be targeted.
“We met [Pres. Biden’s] economic team and they put out what they want. We said, ‘Just show us the numbers.’ Because people need to know. We want to help everyone who needs help, “said Manchin. ‘But if someone earns $ 250,000 or $ 300,000, I think they do not have as much need as a person who earns $ 40,000 or $ 50,000. We’re going to target it. ”
Two different approaches from the same political party.
On Thursday, Vice President Amanda Barren told WSAZ she and President Joe Biden presented themselves as Democrats, but “we are Americans and we will lead as Americans.” Vice President Harris added, “The reason I’m talking to you here in West Virginia is because everyone matters whether you voted for us or not.”
Manchin says Congress has already invested $ 4.8 trillion in less than a year. According to Sen Manchin, this is more than the entire U.S. budget.
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