Biden calls on Dems and GOP to treat each other with respect trends now
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President Joe Biden extended an olive branch to Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, sitting next to him at the event for Democrats and Republicans.
Biden, who is facing investigations from GOP lawmakers who are targeting his administration and his son Hunter, also implored the members of Congress to treat each other with respect, saying he and the speaker would model that behavior.
His comments came after he met with McCarthy at the White House on Wednesday to discuss a way to raise the nation's debt ceiling. There was no resolution but the two men agreed to keep the lines of communication open and meet again on the issue.
'Let's start treating each other with respect. That's what Kevin and I are going to do. Not a joke,' the president said. 'We had a good meeting yesterday. I think we got to do it across the board. It doesn't mean we're going to agree - fight like hell. But let's treat each other with respect.'
Biden also bemoaned the current state of political discourse, where rhetoric has heated up and lawmakers often face death threats.
President Joe Biden (left) offered an olive branch to Speaker Kevin McCarthy (next to Biden) at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Capitol building
Biden's call also came as both chambers of Congress have ratched up the partisan infighting.
A few hours after the breakfast ends, House Republicans will hold a vote to kick Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar off the House
