President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made a strong appeal to Black voters at a joint campaign event in Philadelphia, emphasizing their commitment to policies that benefit the Black community. The event, held at Girard College, focused on issues such as capping the price of insulin for seniors and addressing gun violence.
Biden highlighted the importance of Black voters in his election victory, stating, “Because Black Americans voted, Kamala and I are president and vice president of the United States.” He urged the crowd to support him again in 2024 to defeat Donald Trump once more.
Harris received applause for mentioning the cancellation of student loan debt, while Biden touted his record of appointing Black judges to the federal bench and efforts to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. He also criticized Republicans for blocking the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Despite Biden’s history of support from Black voters, there are concerns about voter apathy and low turnout. The campaign is working to engage and energize Black voters, with events focused on promoting policies that benefit the community.
Attendees at the rally expressed mixed feelings about Biden’s outreach efforts, with some feeling it was late and others longing for a more robust economy. Biden pushed back on Trump’s claims about Black unemployment, emphasizing his administration’s record on the issue and highlighting the stakes of the upcoming election.
Overall, the event in Philadelphia showcased Biden and Harris’s commitment to engaging with Black voters and addressing their concerns, as they seek to secure support for the upcoming election.