Hi folks, it’s Joe Biden again, writing from my home in Delaware.

As always, I want to start today’s newsletter off by thanking you. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this, thank you for supporting our campaign, and thank you for doing your part to help this great country in a time of crisis. Whether you're currently at home social distancing or you're finishing up a shift volunteering or working to help others through this -- thank you for showing us all how strong and good America is.

Because I’m so darn proud to be an American right now. Our health care workers, first responders, and other frontline workers across the country are out there saving lives and making sacrifices. We are all participating in something bigger than ourselves, and that’s what has always made America special, this common idea that we’re in this together.

Times are tough but the fundamental goodness of America is breaking through. And when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t do. So thank you, thank you, thank you.

• Gretchen Whitmer: ‘There’s Going to Be a Horrible Cost’ - The Atlantic
  Proud of my friend, Governor Whitmer, and the leadership she has displayed for Michigan and the country as a whole. This is not about politics, not about petty Twitter fights, this is about people’s lives. The President cannot dangle aid over states for “good behavior” -- it’s just plain wrong and un-American.
   
• Are Countries Flattening the Curve for the Coronavirus? - The New York Times
  We hear a lot every day about “flattening the curve,” but these charts with statistics from around the world offer good insight on what that looks like, as countries continue to take urgent measures to get there.
   
• College Made Them Feel Equal. The Virus Exposed How Unequal Their Lives Are. - The New York Times
  This article focuses on Haverford College in Pennsylvania, and how the equalizing effects of a college campus dissolve when students are forced back home and onto video conference classrooms. This technology is helpful in ensuring this isn’t a lost semester for millions of college students, but we have to keep in mind the many whose families are struggling.
   
• ‘Dear Customers’: These Are the Emotional Store Signs of a Closed New York -- The New York Times
  These pictures capture our shared humanity in this moment. Solidarity, devastation, the undeniable spirit of the American people. It’s important that we grapple with this now, because this is a reality that small businesses will be living with for years to come.
   
• Is social isolation getting to you? Here’s how to know — and what experts say to do. - The Washington Post
  Psychologist-provided advice on how to deal with the mental effects of social isolation. Because mental health is physical health, and we need to make sure we are taking care of ourselves holistically in a world that looks nothing like our normal day-to-day.

My message for Donald Trump: Make it Work

Last week I asked President Trump to talk on the phone about how we handle the economic crisis our country now faces.

I released a checklist for making the economic relief and recovery effort work for families, workers, and small businesses. This is a follow-up to the plan to address the Coronavirus crisis that I released on March 12th. I encouraged him to adopt any and all of those ideas. 

I’ve faced a similar challenge to the one facing him now. I led the implementation of the over $800 billion Recovery Act, previously the largest economic relief bill in history. We successfully took a big, complex piece of legislation and made sure it reached those who needed the help without waste or delay. It wasn’t easy.

The economic response to the coronavirus will require a broad, bold, and unrelenting legislative response from the Administration and Congress. While the U.S. took a consequential step by enacting the $2 trillion relief package, known as the CARES Act, much more needs to be done. 

This conversation with the President took place today and I will continue to offer my help and urge President Trump towards a solution that will work -- and can work quickly.

I made the checklist public, and you can read it here on my website: https://joebiden.com/the-biden-make-it-work-checklist/

Hey, Joe!

1. Question from Libbie in Oakland: I'm worried about kids losing faith and losing momentum. What can we say to them during this crisis?
   One of the most important things to a parent is being able to tell their kids it’s going to be okay. I know from experience, the longest walk you can make is up a short flight of stairs to your child’s bedroom to tell them things are changing.
   
   I think it’s important how we talk to our kids right now, being honest with them about the world and what is happening. We have to remind them that their studies, even if they are harder and only happening online right now, are as important as ever. These kids are our future and they can, and will, do better than us. Jill and I had a Family Town Hall last night where we talked about this, if you missed it you can watch it here.
    
2. Question from Maddie in Los Angeles: Music is how I get through the hard times in my life, what music are you listening to during these strange difficult times?
   I agree, music is a powerful tool to heal. Right now, I’m listening to some longtime favorites that feel especially pertinent now: “Come Together” by The Beatles and “We Take Care of Our Own” by Bruce Springsteen. I think one of the best songs for the moment actually came from a singer-songwriter who sadly passed away this week. Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” is a great reminder that we are all in this together, and we will get through this together. “You just call on me brother, when you need a hand. We all need somebody to lean on.”
    
3. Question from Nisa in Providence: Hi Mr. Vice President! How are Champ & Major? I’d love to see them in your social media more. I can’t wait to see those two good boys in the White House.
   Major and Champ have no idea why we are home so often now, but I don’t think they’ll question it anytime soon -- they’re just happy to have all the attention and head scratches!

What’s Coming Up

• Our podcast is live -- Episodes one and two are now streaming, click here to download and listen.


• Virtual Events -- We have lots of virtual events, some national and some localized to your area, but all of them you can join from the comfort and safety of your own home! Hear about our youth vote organizing, or meet with supporters from your state, there are a lot of ways to get plugged in at: www.joebiden.com/events