Biden: Our 'Darkest Days with COVID Are Ahead of Us, Not Behind Us'
Former vice president gives grim outlook for year head
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Former Vice President Joe Biden has given a less than optimistic outlook on America's future regarding the coronavirus pandemic, insisting the "darkest days…are ahead of us, not behind us."
"One thing I promise you about my leadership during this crisis: I'm going to tell it to you straight," Biden said.
"I'm going to tell you the truth. And here's the simple truth: Our darkest days in the battle against COVID are ahead of us, not behind us," Biden said.
Biden also warned that the virus would remain a threat even after the first round of vaccines.
He also urged Americans to wear masks and remain socially distant, and avoid indoor gatherings.
"We need to prepare ourselves, to steel our spines," Biden said.
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"As frustrating as it is to hear, it's going to take patience, persistence, and determination to beat this virus," Biden continued.
"There will be no time to waste in taking the steps we need to turn this crisis around."
Earlier this year, Biden called for a nationwide mandate to be introduced to force all Americans to wear masks in public.
"Every single American should be wearing a mask when they're outside for the next three months, at a minimum," Biden said at the time.
Biden’s remarks come just after Congress passed the long-awaited stimulus package.
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Many believe the package will do little to help struggling Americans.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump declared that he would not sign the relief bill into law until Congress includes $2000 stimulus checks for every American citizen.
The president blasted the "wasteful items" in the tacked-on spending package that was rushed through Congress the night before.
WATCH:
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2020
Trump slammed the bill as a "disgrace," saying he wants to see more money going to individuals and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and less in "wasteful spending."
He also suggested he may not sign it.
Trump criticized the bill for extending direct coronavirus relief payments to family members of illegal aliens, getting up to $1,800 each.
