President Biden on Tuesday said Americans might return by early next year to the routines and lives they remember before COVID-19, but he conceded less than a month into his presidency that “we don’t know.”.

Speaking for the first time as president during a town hall event hosted by CNN in Milwaukee, Wis., Biden said he would like to see schools reopen for in-person instruction by summer, urged Americans to do everything possible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and said he empathizes with public confusion and fear about everything from byzantine online vaccine appointment systems to shifting scientific predictions about the impact of coronavirus mutations (The Hill).

The Hill: Biden optimistic U.S.

The Hill: Biden to increase number of vaccine doses to states.

The Hill: Biden offers to help Wisconsin woman locate COVID-19 vaccine for teenage son with COPD.

“Look what we inherited,” he said about the Trump administration’s approach to the pandemic response.

The Hill: Where things stand on the COVID-19 relief measure.

The Hill: Biden officials mull priorities after coronavirus relief bill.

During the 75-minute discussion, Biden tried without complete success to avoid mentioning former President TrumpDonald TrumpBiden: 'I'm tired of talking about Trump' Hacker claims to have stolen files from law firm tied to Trump: WSJ Texas governor faces criticism over handling of winter storm fallout MORE, calling him at one point “the former guy.” The president said it was time to talk about the American people and not his predecessor. .

I’m tired of talking about Trump," Biden said when asked about Trump’s weekend impeachment acquittal (The Hill). .

The president said he raised human rights during his recent two-hour phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Bernie SandersBernie SandersCotton, Romney introduce bill pairing minimum wage increase with tighter citizenship verification Restaurant association warns Congress on minimum wage hike The Memo: Biden steps out of Trump's shadow MORE (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenBiden balks at K student loan forgiveness plan Jamaal Bowman's mother dies of COVID-19: 'I share her legacy with all of you' Impeachment managers wrap case with new warning on Trump MORE (D-Mass.) (The Hill).

The Hill: Biden honeymoon with green groups faces tests?

Biden was candid before flying back to the White House from a city that helped him defeat Trump in November that living his life as president is a lot different than he expected.

He described the White House as “like a gilded cage” staffed by attentive residence professionals who are present at every turn, which he said takes some getting used to.

He surprised Cooper by saying he’d never been in the private quarters of the White House during his career as a senator and vice president. .

6: 'This cannot be our future' LIVE COVERAGE: Senate opens Trump's second impeachment trial Congress mulls tightening eligibility for stimulus checks MORE (D-Md.) told House Democrats on Tuesday that earmarks are making a return to Capitol Hill, adding that he can “guarantee” the process “will be bipartisan.” Fifteen years ago, House and Senate reformers in both parties, including the late Sen.

The extended attack on McConnell — which included an unfounded claim that the senator’s wife, Elaine ChaoElaine ChaoBen Carson launches conservative think tank Lobbying world Bottom line MORE, Trump’s former Transportation secretary, has “substantial Chinese business holdings” — came three days after McConnell voted to acquit Trump on charges that he incited an insurrection in the U.S.

The ongoing battle is a preview of coming attractions for the GOP, which is expecting a chaotic primary season between those deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump and others on the opposite side of the spectrum.

On Tuesday night, Biden spoke with Abbott and a number of other governors of states that have been severely impacted by the winter storm, saying that the administration “is prepared to assist and stands ready to respond to requests for Federal assistance” and “will deploy any additional Federal emergency resources available to assist the residents of their states,” according to the White House.

The Biden administration, which has staked a presidency on ending a public health crisis, announced on Tuesday it will boost COVID-19 vaccine doses next week for supply-starved states.

The White House announced it is doubling to 2 million the number of doses sent directly to pharmacies.

“This program will expand access to neighborhoods across the country,” Jeff ZientsJeff ZientsOvernight Health Care: CDC study says double masking works | House Democrats propose multibillion-dollar COVID-19 relief package | Industry groups back ObamaCare reforms proposed by Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by TikTok - Day 1 goes to Dems as GOP fumes at Trump lawyers Overnight Health Care: White House to ship coronavirus vaccines directly to community health centers | WHO: 'Unlikely' that COVID-19 came from a lab | Uber and Walgreens to offer free rides to COVID vaccine sites MORE, Biden’s COVID-19 coordinator, told USA Today. .

Anthony FauciAnthony FauciOvernight Health Care: Biden administration ups vaccine distribution to states | HHS pick to get Senate hearing next week | Average daily new coronavirus cases dip below 90K The Hill's 12:30 Report - Biden's first official trip as president Fauci says he was nervous about catching COVID-19 in Trump White House MORE, the government’s top infectious disease expert, said on Tuesday that the “general public” will likely have to wait months before gaining access to doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which is a change from his recent prediction that most Americans in the general population would be on their way to full inoculations by the end of April.

At the same time, Republican lawmakers tell voters that Biden and Democrats are politically beholden to coronavirus mitigation policies favored by unions (The Hill).

Tom EmmerThomas (Tom) Earl EmmerNRCC finance chair: Republicans who voted for Trump impeachment will not be penalized Conservative House Republican welcomes Clark as chief of US Chamber House GOP campaign arm rolls out new leadership team MORE (R-Minn.), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said while explaining the new GOP messaging.

> International: In South Africa, the government said on Tuesday it is preparing to administer its first COVID-19 vaccinations — doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine still being tested — to health care workers this week (The Associated Press).

The House meets Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

The president and Vice President Harris will receive the President’s Daily Brief at 11:30 a.m.

The White House press briefing is scheduled for 12:30 p.m

The Hill’s senior correspondent Amie Parnes and co-author Jonathan Allen of NBC News have written a political book to follow their 2017 best-seller, “Shattered.” Biden’s rollercoaster 2020 campaign and nail-biting victory against a crowded primary field and then former President Trump is revealed with deep reporting, analysis and new anecdotes in “Lucky,” which is in bookstores March 2 and available for pre-order with Penguin Random House HERE and on Amazon HERE

Robin KellyRobin Lynne KellyThe Hill's Morning Report - With trial over, Biden renews push for COVID-19 bill Democrats urge Biden FDA to drop in-person rule for abortion pill Democrats press to bar lawmakers from carrying guns in the Capitol MORE (D-Ill.), vice chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust; Rep

Larry BucshonLarry Dean BucshonThe Hill's Morning Report - With trial over, Biden renews push for COVID-19 bill 'I saw my life flash before my eyes': An oral history of the Capitol attack Tensions flare between House Republicans, Capitol Police over metal detectors MORE (R-Ind.); former Del

Donna ChristensenDonna Marie ChristensenThe Hill's Morning Report - With trial over, Biden renews push for COVID-19 bill House clears bill providing emergency medical services for children MORE (D-Virgin Islands), board chairwoman of Consumers for Quality Care; and a panel of experts will convene for a discussion about moving the needle on quality, affordable healthcare and addressing inequities amid the COVID-19 pandemic

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