Biden Takes on Trump, Rallies Democrats in Final Campaign Push \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ As President Joe Biden nears the end of his 50-year career in elected office, he remains active on the campaign trail, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats in key battlegrounds. Although many Democratic candidates have kept him at a distance, Biden continues promoting his administration’s record with scheduled appearances, particularly in union-strong states like Pennsylvania. Despite ending his own reelection bid, Biden’s strategy is designed to rally support where it matters most, aiming to strengthen Harris’s campaign and leave a lasting impact on the 2024 election.
Joe Biden’s Campaign Support for Democrats and Kamala Harris: Key Points
- Active Campaign Presence: With Election Day close, Biden is making key appearances in battleground states, primarily Pennsylvania and Maryland.
- Focus on Labor Support: Biden’s speeches emphasize union support and U.S. job creation, often contrasting his record with that of Trump.
- Strategic Distance: While some Democrats keep Biden at arm’s length, key allies like Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester have actively campaigned alongside him.
- Trump’s Criticism: Trump mocked Biden’s limited campaign appearances with Harris, adding to the political friction.
- Legacy and Relevance: Biden’s targeted rallies are part of his effort to remain relevant in a changing political climate and ensure the success of Harris and his party.
Deep Look
Biden’s Strategic Support for Harris and Key Allies
Despite stepping back from his reelection bid, Biden pledged to campaign hard for Harris and down-ballot Democrats. He defended his strategy when questioned by reporters on Monday, highlighting the balancing act between his duties as president and his campaign support role.
“I’ve done a lot of surrogate stuff, and the fact of the matter is I’ve also had to continue to be president,” Biden said after casting his vote in Wilmington, Delaware. While he hasn’t appeared alongside Harris in recent weeks, he emphasized that they stay in close communication and work together behind the scenes to support Democratic candidates. Biden noted that the Harris campaign has directed him to visit key areas where his influence can have the greatest impact, allowing him to focus on strategic appearances rather than large-scale rallies.
One of Biden’s notable campaign stops was with Lisa Blunt Rochester, a longtime ally and House Representative who aims to become Delaware’s first Black woman in the Senate. Biden publicly endorsed her the night before their joint appearance, describing her as “Delaware through and through.” His endorsement is expected to further solidify her standing in the Democratic-leaning state. Biden’s close association with Blunt Rochester, as well as his presence with Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, underscores his intention to offer targeted support where he can maximize his influence.
A Delicate Balancing Act as Biden Backs Away from Key Races
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump seized the opportunity to mock Biden, accusing Democrats of sidelining him. Trump posted on Truth Social, writing, “The Democrats have not only greatly demeaned and embarrassed Crooked Joe Biden, but now they’re demanding that he be nowhere near Lyin’ Kamala’s Campaign.” Trump’s comments underscore his continued criticism of the Democratic ticket, framing Biden’s presence as a liability to Harris’s campaign efforts.
Emphasizing Union and Labor Support in Pennsylvania
During a recent visit to Pennsylvania, Biden emphasized his support for unions and the working class, focusing on his administration’s role in strengthening job opportunities. In a speech at a Pittsburgh union hall, he also highlighted the growing contrast between his labor-focused policies and those of Trump, particularly in light of Trump’s connections with figures like Elon Musk.
Biden specifically called out Musk’s anti-union stance, alluding to a recent Washington Post article that questioned Musk’s immigration status during his time as a Stanford University student. “The wealthiest man in the world is now his ally, right?” Biden said, linking Musk’s immigration history to his anti-worker views. “Well, that wealthiest man in the world turned out to be [an] illegal worker here when he was here” as a student.
Biden’s remarks reflected his ongoing commitment to U.S. labor policies and support for union rights, a longstanding focus in his political career. By contrasting his administration’s record with the opposition, Biden is reinforcing his alignment with working Americans and labor unions, which have been pivotal to his electoral base.
Biden’s Use of Direct Language to Energize Voters
Following his early vote on Monday, Biden appeared in high spirits, engaging with other voters in line and chatting with Delaware residents about the stakes of the election. After casting his ballot, he expressed confidence in Harris and the Democratic ticket, remarking that the experience was “sweet” rather than bitter. “I think we will,” he said when asked about Democratic chances.
Final Campaign Stops Ahead of Election Day
As Election Day nears, Biden’s final campaign stops include significant appearances in Maryland and Pennsylvania. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to support Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland before participating in campaign-related calls on Thursday. His itinerary then includes a return to Pennsylvania, where he is expected to further champion union support and reiterate the importance of voting for the Democratic ticket. Biden’s decision to visit states like Pennsylvania reflects his belief in his influence among working-class voters, a demographic that has been pivotal to his political career.
For Biden, these final campaign days reflect a commitment to making his mark on this election cycle, positioning himself as a supportive and reliable voice within the party. As Election Day nears, his appearances underscore the balance he seeks between promoting Democratic unity and remaining sensitive to the realities of a polarized voter base.