Kamala Harris Had to Remind Joe Biden About Deadly Florida Condo Collapse as He Forgets to Address It

By Joshua Summers First Posted: Jun 25, 2021 04:57 AM EDT

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to have reminded President Joe Biden to discuss the Florida condo collapse after finishing his press conference.

The awkward exchange of whispered conversation between the two top officials happened during a White House press conference on Thursday, June 24.

The president was discussing the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill as well as voting rights during the press briefing, Daily Mail reported.

As Joe Biden attempted to wrap up the press conference by telling that he got to get to a helicopter, Kamala Harris approached the president and whispered "Florida, yeah" before walking away, New York Post reported.

After the reminder of the vice president, Joe Biden then said, "Oh yes! I apologize," and thanked Kamala Harris for reminding him.

"Yes, thank you, Madame Vice President," Joe Biden said as he turned back to the microphone.

Joe Biden on Florida Condo Collapse

President Joe Biden said that the federal government is ready to assist Florida on the tragic incident involving a building that collapsed in Miami.

Biden noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assessing the situation on the ground. However, he said the federal government could not provide help until Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declares a state of emergency, The Hill reported.

"We are ready to move from the federal resources, immediately - immediately, if in fact we're asked for it," the president said during the White House press conference.

Biden further noted that FEMA was also assessing if the people nearby the building must be evacuated and whether shelter and food are needed to be given to the residents.

The 12-story Miami apartment building that collapsed early Thursday, June 24, left at least three people dead and 99 others missing. As of Thursday afternoon, at least 35 people were rescued by the authorities from the site.

"I made it clear that I say to people of Florida: Whatever help you want that the federal government can provide, we're waiting," said Biden. The Hill reported that Joe Biden has yet to speak to the Florida governor as of Thursday afternoon.

Joe Biden Whispers During the White House Press Conference

President Joe Biden also took questions and repeatedly whispered to reporters, who attended the White House press conference.

On three separate occasions, Biden leaned over his lectern and whispered to reporters as he answered some questions from the press. Joe Biden first answered a PBS reporter while whispering on the microphone, when he was asked about the relief for families. He continued to talk this way when he answered questions from two other reporters.

Some people found the president's way of answering disturbing. Abigail Marone, the press secretary for Senator Josh Hawley, found the president's "lean in and long whisper" bizarre.