Thread by @ddale8

Biden says he usually has 20-25 people at Christmas dinner, but not this year. He says, "We all have to care enough for each other that we have to stay apart, just a little bit longer. I know it's hard." He warns "experts say things are going to get worse before they get better."

Biden says again that the Covid relief deal is good news, but repeats it's just a "first step" and "down payment." He says he'll put forward a plan to Congress "early next year," seeking more funds for testing, vaccine distribution, struggling people, local police, fire, nurses.

Biden: "Here is the simple truth. Our darkest days in the battle against Covid are ahead of us, not behind us. So we need to prepare ourselves. To steel our spines. As frustrating as it is to hear, it's gonna take patience, persistence, and determination to beat this virus."

Biden pivots to the cyberattack. He blames the Trump administration for, he says, failing to prioritize cybersecurity, then criticizes Trump's "irrational downplaying of the seriousness of this attack." He adds, "Enough's enough."

Biden says we can't let the cyberattack go unanswered. He notes that Pompeo and Barr have indicated Russia is responsible and calls for an "official attribution" from the administration. He says he'll take it seriously even if Trump refuses.

After a reporter mentioned that Trump said the cyberattack situation is under control, Biden says, "I see no evidence that it's under control. I've seen none, heard of none. The Defense Department won't even brief us on many things."

Biden on the cyberattack: "When I learn the extent of the damage and in fact who is formally responsible, they can be assured that we will respond. And probably respond in kind. There's many options, which I will not discuss now."

Biden says the Georgia elections aren't the reason he still hasn't made some appointments. He says they'll all be announced either just before or just after.

Biden says his son hasn't come up in any of his discussions with potential AGs. He says, "The Attorney General of the United States of America is not the president's lawyer. I will appoint someone who I expect to enforce the law...not guided by me."

Asked if the US should impose a travel ban on flights coming from the UK, Biden says, "As you know, there already is one. Unrelated to finding that new strain." ?

Biden says that for people who are struggling, the additional unemployment benefits in this new deal were "necessary" but "simply not sufficient." He says the public won't stand for a refusal to pass additional help when he's president.

Biden says his general ask to Congress is: 1) making sure there's enough money to get the vaccine to everyone; 2) making sure the Covid unemployed have enough to live, aren't getting evicted; 3) for small biz: all needed PPE + direct aid; 4) economic development + infrastructure.

Asked what's taking him so long to pick an attorney general, Biden says he's just looking for the best person to instill the most confidence in DOJ professionals, and there is isn't an "obvious choice" in his mind on this one.

Asked if he'd consider filing for re-election quickly to show he's not going to be a lame duck, Biden says, "I'm not gonna be a lame duck. Just watch me. Just watch me."

Re timeline for rolling back Trump immigration policy, Biden says he needs time to make sure "we make it better, not worse" on asylum, avoid rush of 2 million people to the border. Says "probably the next 6 months," not day 1, to make needed moves. Asks advocates to "trust me."