The White House dismissed a reporter’s question regarding President Biden’s feelings of “embarrassment” about San Francisco’s need for a “total makeover” ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The exchange took place during a White House press briefing, where National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan attempted to sidestep the question before eventually refusing to respond.
Sullivan praised the United States’ hosting of the summit, highlighting the country’s strong economic record, low unemployment rates, and investments in innovation and infrastructure. However, he made no mention of the removal of homeless encampments, which had been a key focus of the reporter’s question.
When pressed further, Sullivan rejected the premise of the question and declined to comment on Governor Newsom’s acknowledgment that the cleanup was indeed related to the upcoming APEC summit. The reporter then asked whether President Biden prioritized impressing the leader of China over the well-being of San Francisco residents who pay taxes.
Efforts to clean the city have resulted in noticeable improvements in cleanliness and a reduction in homeless encampments on major thoroughfares, according to local Fox affiliate KTVU. Emails obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle also revealed concerns from city officials about historical encampments close to priority areas. These areas, which have long been the epicenter of the homeless crisis, have been tent-free just days before the APEC summit.
The upcoming face-to-face meeting between President Biden and President Xi marks their first meeting since November 2022. It is anticipated to be a significant event, highlighting the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
While the White House’s dismissal of concerns over San Francisco’s “total makeover” may raise eyebrows, it is important to consider the broader context and priorities surrounding the APEC summit. The article sheds light on the efforts made to improve the city’s appearance for the visit, but it also raises questions about the extent to which political considerations may influence decision-making.
This development comes at a time when the political landscape in the United States remains highly polarized, with Republicans and their allies viewing the Biden administration and the Democratic Party with skepticism. It is worth noting that this article provides a cynical tone when discussing the White House’s response and the potential prioritization of impressing China over addressing local issues.
In conclusion, the White House’s dismissal of concerns about San Francisco’s “total makeover” ahead of the APEC summit has sparked debate and raised questions about priorities. While efforts to improve the city’s appearance are evident, critics argue that the well-being of local residents should not be overlooked. As the meeting between President Biden and President Xi approaches, the world will be watching to see how diplomatic relations unfold between the two influential leaders.
