President Joe Biden emphasized his goal to “unite America again” during a speech at the Mount Airy Church of God in Christ in Northwest Philadelphia. This appearance marked the first of two stops in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, as part of his campaign trail. Following his speech in Philadelphia, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden headed to Harrisburg for an event at a local union hall.
Addressing nearly 300 congregants, Biden expressed his optimism about America’s future, provided the nation remains united. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I honest to God have never been more optimistic about America’s future… if we stick together,” he said. “We have to bring dignity and hope back in America.” Although he did not directly address the critical phase of his campaign following a shaky debate performance, Biden emphasized the importance of working together and mentioned feeling “called according to [God’s] purpose.”
Biden lightened the mood by joking about his age, claiming he might look like he’s “40 years old” despite having “been around a long time.” This remark elicited laughter and chants of “four more years” from the audience. The President and First Lady were greeted at the airport by Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, among other local officials.
In Harrisburg, Biden continued his campaign efforts by speaking at a local union hall. He reiterated his commitment to fairer taxes and criticized former President Trump’s tax cuts for billionaires. “The middle class built this country, not Wall Street. And guess what? Unions built the middle class,” Biden stated. Senator Fetterman also spoke at the event, highlighting the significant changes in the country from 2020 to 2024 and praising Biden’s leadership during challenging times.
Later, Biden met with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who had been unable to attend earlier events due to budget negotiations. The two visited a local coffee shop, where Biden tipped $20 and avoided questions about the latest cease-fire deal. This visit to Pennsylvania comes as Biden works to solidify support for his reelection campaign amidst calls from some Democratic lawmakers for him to step aside.
Biden’s campaign trail in Philadelphia was initially set to include a speech at the annual NEA conference, but this was canceled due to a strike by the NEA’s union. The NEA, which has endorsed Biden, filed two unfair labor practice complaints, accusing the organization of failing to comply with basic union requirements. Despite the cancellation, Biden’s commitment to unions remained evident as he refused to cross the picket line.
The President’s visit to Pennsylvania aimed to showcase support from key political figures and reinforce his determination to remain in the race. Despite some Democratic leaders suggesting he step aside, Biden made it clear to his campaign staff that he has no intention of leaving the race. “Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can and as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running. I’m the nominee of the Democratic Party. No one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving,” he asserted.
During his speech at the Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, Pastor Louis Felton likened Biden to Joseph from the biblical story, emphasizing resilience and divine favor. Felton led a prayer for the President, asking for renewed strength and spirit. Following the church service, Biden visited a campaign office in Philadelphia, where Senator Fetterman offered a strong endorsement, stating, “There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump. And he is going to do it twice and put him down for good.”
As Biden stepped off Air Force One in Harrisburg, he was asked if the Democratic Party was behind him, to which he responded emphatically, “Yes.” At the union event, Representative Madeleine Dean echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Biden’s leadership for democracy.
Despite concerns about Biden’s age and debate performance, supporters like Isabel Afonso and James Johnson expressed confidence in his ability to lead and win the election. Afonso acknowledged worries about Biden’s age but believed in the stability of his potential successors. Johnson, on the other hand, emphasized Biden’s fighting spirit and warned against the confusion that could arise from replacing him on the ticket.
While some Democrats remain unconvinced, others, like Senator Chris Murphy, believe Biden needs to address voters’ concerns directly. Biden has rejected independent cognitive testing, arguing that the daily demands of the presidency are proof of his mental acuity. Representative Adam Schiff suggested that both Biden and Trump should take cognitive tests to address any doubts.
As Biden continues his campaign, he remains focused on uniting America and addressing the challenges ahead. His visit to Pennsylvania highlighted his commitment to his reelection bid and the support he continues to receive from key political figures and constituents.
Source: CBS/AP
