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U.S. NEWS Friday 5 July 2024
Biden heads into a make-or-break stretch for his imperiled

presidential campaign

By COLLEEN LONG and strong showing on ABC. Dis-
ZEKE MILLER cussions that were once a
Associated Press whisper around who should
WASHINGTON (AP) — Presi- step into his place should
dent Joe Biden on Thursday he bow out are growing
opened a critical stretch louder.
in his effort to salvage his For now, Biden is not ready
imperiled reelection cam- to walk away and he has
paign, arguing the stakes communicated that in con-
extend far beyond his versations with Democratic
own political prospects to governors, close allies and
the future of the country’s staffers from his campaign.
economy and democracy But time is short for a pos-
itself. sible change. The Demo-
There is a growing sense cratic National Committee
that Biden may have just announced weeks ago
days to make a persuasive that it would hold a virtual
case that he is fit for office roll call for a formal nomi-
before Democratic support nation before the party’s
for him completely evapo- national convention, which
rates in the aftermath of his begins Aug. 19.
disastrous debate perfor- “I’m proud to be running for
mance last week against President Joe Biden arrives to speak in the Cross Hall of the White House Monday, July 1, 2024, in reelection as a president
Republican Donald Trump. Washington. who’s made his promises
In an interview with a Wis- Associated Press and I’ve kept them,” Biden
consin radio station that The interview on the Earl fundraisers, according to terview with ABC’s George said in the radio interview.
aired Thursday, Biden said, Ingram Show on the Civ- a person familiar with the Stephanopoulos that will “I had a bad night. A bad
“The stakes are really high. ic Media Radio Network, plans who spoke to The As- air as a prime-time special night. I screwed up,” he
I know you know this. For taped Wednesday, was sociated Press on condition that night. said of the debate, where
democracy, for freedom ... the part of a media and of anonymity to discuss pri- He plans to be in Philadel- he gave halting and con-
our economy, they’re all on public events blitz that the vate discussions. phia on Sunday and hold voluted answers.
the line.” Democratic president and After hosting a July Fourth a full news conference “But 90 minutes on stage
He added: “The president his staff have acknowl- evening barbecue at the during the NATO summit in does not erase what I’ve
is the most powerful office edged as a make-or-break White House for military Washington next week. done for 3 1/2 years,” he
in the world. But we need moment. Some financial families, Biden is scheduled It is not a given that his cam- said in a different interview,
someone with wisdom and backers were holding off to campaign in Wisconsin paign will survive even that with Philadelphia-area
character.” or canceling upcoming on Friday and sit for an in- long if he does not deliver a WURD Radio.q

Virginia lawmakers strike deal to repeal restrictions on military

tuition program

Associated Press turn to Richmond on July 18 will be $65 million per year work on the issue. unencumbered by any
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Af- to vote on the agreement. for the program provides Youngkin praised the other provisions, is great
ter weeks of disagreement, The new legislation will pro- me with the comfort that agreement. news for our military heroes,
Virginia lawmakers have pose an additional $90 mil- we will not place the bur- “A full, clean repeal with first responders, and their
reached a deal to repeal lion in taxpayer funds to pay den of the escalating cost additional financial support families,” Youngkin posted
new restrictions on a pro- for the program, in addition of the program on other for the VMSDEP program, on the social platform X.q
gram that offers free col- to the $40 million already students through their tu-
lege tuition at state schools included in the budget. The ition charges,” Lucas said in
for families of military veter- program’s costs have risen a statement.
ans who were killed or seri- from $12 million to $65 mil- To rein in the program’s ris-
ously disabled while on ac- lion in five years. Previously, ing costs, the budget deal
tive duty. state colleges and universi- passed by the General As-
Senate Finance Chair Lou- ties have covered the costs sembly in May restricted
ise Lucas and House Ap- with state funds and tuition eligibility to associate and
propriations Chairman from other students. undergraduate degrees,
Luke Torian announced Lucas said the new pro- required participants to
late Tuesday that they plan posal would set aside $65 apply for other forms of fi-
to introduce identical leg- million each year for the nancial aid and tightened
islation to repeal changes program, while the Joint residency requirements.
to the Virginia Military Sur- Legislative Audit and Re- After vehement protests
vivors and Dependents view Commission studies from military families, the
Education Program in the it, along with a task force House of Delegates voted
two-year budget that took appointed by Gov. Glenn last week to repeal the new Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore, Sen. Louise Lucas,
effect on Monday. Mem- Youngkin and a Senate restrictions, but the Senate D-Portsmouth, recognizes a visitor in the gallery as she presides
bers of the Senate and the work group. “This study and took no action after meet- over the Senate, Jan 27, 2020, at the state Capitol in Richmond,
Va.
House of Delegates will re- the allocation of what now ing twice in two weeks to Associated Press