Biden gets testy when pressed on Helene response as Americans stranded without water, power | 30 Sept 2024 | Joe Biden discussed the [so-called] federal response to Hurricane Helene during a press conference on Monday, vowed that he would visit some of the most devastated areas -- but not yet. At the end of the press conference, which was interrupted by his frequent coughs, Biden grew defensive when a reporter pressed him on who was in command over the weekend to direct hurricane response. Biden spent the weekend at his beach home in Delaware. The heated exchange happened at the White House after Biden concluded his remarks and turned to leave the Roosevelt Room. "And the hurricane. Mr. President [sic], why weren't you and Vice President [sic] Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?" a reporter yelled as Biden exited. "I was commanding it," Biden retorted from the doorway. "I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well. I command it. It's called a telephone and all my security people." Biden turned again to leave as the reporter began to ask, "Is it not important for the country to see?" The president left, and the door closed mid-question.