Biden says psychologists should look into and attend domestic violence cases when “someone is standing on the edge of a bridge” – but reiterates he does NOT want to disappoint police in a speech to mayors
- Biden says psychologists should deal with domestic violence
- He said it was not the job of the police but he didn’t want to disappoint the police
- “When it comes to public safety, we know the answer is not to disappoint the police”
- Biden addressed the US Mayors’ Conference at the White House
President Joe Biden on Friday said psychologists should handle domestic violence cases instead of the police – but reiterated that he did not want to disappoint the police.
In a lengthy speech to US mayors, Biden addressed a variety of local issues, including public safety needs, helping people with mental health issues and equipping first responders for fentanyl overdose response.
But he was also clear that he doesn’t want to take money from local police departments to quash Republican criticism of the Democrats.
“When it comes to public safety, we know the answer isn’t to disappoint the police,” he told the packed hall of mayors, who applauded in response. “They need funding and they also need extra help.”
President Biden said psychologists should handle domestic violence cases instead of the police – but reiterated he did not want to disappoint the police
Biden addressed the US Mayors’ Conference at the White House
He also pushed for alternative ways to help people and called for psychological help, which he says includes more counselors in schools.
“By the way, a police officer shows up in a domestic violence case or someone is standing on the edge of a bridge – they don’t need a police officer. You need a psychiatrist,’ he said.
Biden invited the US Conference of Mayors to the White House for the conclusion of their annual meeting in Washington DC. It was the first time the mayors could be there since the COVID pandemic.
Also present were several former mayors who are now in Biden’s administration, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Advisor Mitch Landrieu, Advisor Keisha Knight Bottoms and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh.
The President also got personal in his remarks.
As someone who has gone through a lot of grief in his life, he was asked what he would say to Americans who have been going through a lot, especially during the pandemic.
Biden spoke about the tractor-trailer collision that killed his first wife, Neilia, and their young daughter. He also spoke about his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015.
He said he’s lucky to have support.
“I had people who were there to help me. I was lucky,’ he said. “I had so much help. And I had psychological help.”
President Biden said in his remarks that police need more help to avoid being defunded
Joe Biden got personal in his remarks, speaking about his wife Neilia Biden and young daughter Noami, who died in a car accident – he is seen with them above in a 1972 photo, which also includes his sons Beau and Hunter see are
Biden says his family is his rock, via President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden (center) with granddaughter Naomi, son Hunter, his wife Melissa and their son Baby Beau
He said he has the help that many families don’t have.
He praised his sister Valerie, “my best friend in the world,” for moving in to help raise his sons in the months after the clash. He said he was able to commute back and forth from Wilmington to the Capitol because his mother helped babysit the kids.
‘You know what? i had family I had an incredible wife. No man deserves one love, let alone two,” he said of Jill Biden.
“I gave you my personal story because I think it’s just knowing someone is there, knowing someone to turn to when you get scared,” he said.
He called for an end to the stigma surrounding mental health.
“We need to take the stigma of mental health. Mental health is no different than breaking your arm or leg. It really isn’t.”