On December 10, 2024, President Biden faced a technical glitch during a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., where he discussed his economic record and the expansion of rural high-speed internet. The teleprompter malfunctioned, prompting Biden to quip, 'I lost electricity here,' as he navigated the unexpected interruption [7221f0f7].
In his address, Biden touted a 'fairly strong economy' but acknowledged that challenges remain for many working families. He highlighted the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law, which includes $65 billion specifically allocated for improving broadband access in rural areas. However, he faced criticism regarding the slow implementation of these initiatives. Notably, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has yet to connect any individuals to the internet, with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr predicting that full completion may not occur until 2030 [7221f0f7].
The speech was further complicated by protests related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, indicating the contentious political climate surrounding Biden's administration. He was joined on stage by Rep. Brendan Boyle and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, who both support the administration's efforts to enhance broadband access and address economic disparities [7221f0f7].
Biden's remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of his infrastructure investments and the urgency of addressing digital inequities in rural communities. As the administration pushes forward with its agenda, the challenges of implementation and public perception remain critical factors in shaping the narrative around Biden's economic policies [7221f0f7].