Biden tells governors he'll help states overcome coronavirus
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — In a meeting with governors, Joe Biden expressed concern Thursday that President Donald Trump's unprecedented attempt to block the peaceful transition of power at the White House has hindered the flow of information about programs to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine.
“Unfortunately, my administration hasn’t been able to get everything we need,” the president-elect said during a video conference with the National Governors Association’s leadership team, which includes five Republicans and four Democrats.
He specifically cited “Operation Warp Speed,” the federal government's partnership with private pharmaceutical companies to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.
Biden participated from a theater in Wilmington, Delaware, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Also appearing online were the leaders of Biden's virus task force: Vivek Murthy, a former surgeon general; David Kessler, an ex-head of the Food and Drug Administration; and Marcella Nunez-Smith of Yale University.
Among the Democratic governors participating was Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, which has been among those Trump has targeted for unfounded claims of fraud.
“I want you to know that I will be your partner in the White House,” Biden told the governors, including Republicans Larry Hogan of Maryland, Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, Kay Ivey of Alabama, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts and Gary Herbert of Utah.
Biden promised state leaders that he would “make sure you get the resources you need ... to beat this virus.”
Hogan told The Associated Press recently that Trump’s wild and unsupported claims of widespread voter fraud were “dangerous” and “embarrassing.”
Hutchison said over the weekend that Biden would be the next president and he called on the Trump...