In President Joe Biden’s tightly packed schedule on Tuesday, there was a dedicated 45-minute window for him to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.
Despite his demanding responsibilities as one of the world’s busiest and most influential figures, August 8th marked a unique entry in President Biden’s agenda—a 45-minute moment allocated for a “lookout” at the Grand Canyon.
During his visit to the natural wonder located in Arizona, Biden used the opportunity to highlight his administration’s commitment to addressing climate issues. He also repeatedly expressed his admiration for the unparalleled beauty of the Grand Canyon, which he referred to as one of the “nine wonders” of the world.
Reflecting on the significance, Biden stated, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that there is no national treasure more majestic than the Grand Canyon. This awe-inspiring wonder, among the Earth’s nine wonders—is truly remarkable. Imagine that. It’s astonishing. A timeless symbol of America to the global community.”
Recalling his first encounter with the Grand Canyon as a young senator, Biden shared a personal connection, saying, “When I first gazed upon the Grand Canyon years ago, a phrase emerged in my mind. It was a spontaneous thought. I said, ‘This is God’s cathedral.'” The president acknowledged his earlier mistake in not correctly placing the Grand Canyon as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Included in the list of natural wonders are Mount Everest, Parícutin Volcano in Mexico, Victoria Falls in southern Africa, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia, Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, Aurora (in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres), and the Grand Canyon.
During his visit to the Grand Canyon, President Biden took part in an interview with the Weather Channel, where he delved into climate-related matters. The choice of network drew criticism due to Biden’s limited interactions with the media. Opting for the Weather Channel enabled him to steer clear of contentious subjects such as Hunter Biden’s legal case and allegations of his involvement in a bribery scheme during his time as vice president.
According to the White House media pool report, this interview occurred approximately 25 minutes into President Biden’s scheduled “lookout” time at the Grand Canyon.
