The Latest on President-elect Joe Biden (all times local):
3:05 p.m.
President-elect Joe Biden says the American public should have confidence in a coronavirus vaccine that may soon begin to become available.
President-elect Joe Biden announces his choice for several positions in his administration during an event at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. (AP PhotoSusan Walsh)
Biden said during remarks Friday in Wilmington that combatting the pandemic is “serious business” that requires “presidential leadership.”
On Thursday, a U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine, putting the country just one step away from launching an epic vaccination campaign against the outbreak that has killed close to 300,000 Americans.
Shots could begin within days, depending on how quickly the Food and Drug Administration signs off, as expected, on the expert committee’s recommendation.
President-elect Joe Biden speaks during an event at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. (AP PhotoSusan Walsh)
Arguing that “there is no political influence” in the vaccine, Biden stressed the scientific research that has “led us to this point.” He also reiterated his “bold and doable” commitment to trying to vaccinate 100 million Americans in the first 100 days of his administration.
Of the virus, Biden said, “We can wish this away, but we need to face it.”
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S TRANSITION TO THE WHITE HOUSE:
Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, looks on as President-elect Joe Biden announces his choice for several positions in his administration during an event at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. (AP PhotoSusan Walsh)
President-elect Joe Biden’s historically challenging transition to power is becoming even more complicated as a federal investigation into his son's finances threatens to embolden congressional Republicans, who have already shown little willingness to work with him or even acknowledge his clear victory in last month’s election.
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