Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
After Coughing Through His Victory Speech, Biden Says He's Fighting A Cold
Fox News: Biden Admits To A 'Bit Of A Cold' After Electoral College Victory Speech
President-elect Joe Biden confirmed that he is battling a slight cold following a speech on Monday night in which he stopped several times to clear his throat while addressing the nation on the Electoral College’s vote to formally confirm his victory. Biden’s voice was slightly hoarse during the address, which took place shortly after he surpassed the 270-vote threshold required to win the White House. The president-elect admitted feeling under the weather during a virtual call with supporters after the speech. (Barrabi, 12/14)
Newsweek: Viewers Of Biden's Post-Electoral Vote Speech Concerned About His Coughing
President-elect Joe Biden coughed and cleared his throat multiple times during a Monday speech about his victory in the electoral college, leading some social media users to comment about the interruptions. Biden obtained 306 votes in the electoral college on Monday, more than the 270 votes needed to be certified as the next U.S. President. Biden at times sounded hoarse and excused himself after a few small audible coughs during his address acknowledging his victory. "Jeez! Somebody hand him a glass of water!" tweeted filmmaker and activist Michael Moore. (Martin, 12/14)
The Independent: Biden Coughs His Way Through First Speech Since Being Confirmed As President-Elect: ‘Hand Him A Glass Of Water!’
Joe Biden’s first address to the nation shortly after state electors declared him president-elect was overshadowed by persistent bouts of coughing and throat-clearing, as he mounted a scathing attack on President Donald Trump for his efforts to undermine the election. ... In a live stream after his speech, Mr Biden insisted a minor cold was to blame saying: 'Thank you, I have a little bit of a cold." (Singh, 12/15)
In other news about the presidential transition —
Politico: How Biden’s Team Botched His Cabinet Debuts
The news that Biden would not be selecting the Latina governor of New Mexico to lead the Department of Health and Human Services — a step that came after she fell out of favor with the transition team for rejecting another position — prompted backlash from members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which criticized Biden’s allies for leaking the details. (Korecki and Cassella, 12/14)
