President Joe Biden confirmed on Monday what he said the previous day during two visits to the Keystone State, saying he had no intention of resigning as the Democratic presidential candidate.
“The bottom line is we’re not going anywhere,” he told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “I’m not going anywhere. I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t absolutely believe I was the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
Biden spoke with the hosts Mika Brzezinski AND Joe Scarborough and answered many questions that have been on the minds of Democratic Party decision-makers since his appearance in the June 27 debate.
“Look at my career. I haven’t had many nights like that. It was a terrible night and I really regret that it happened,” he said.
“You know, the idea that I’m too old. I’ve created over 15 million jobs, 21 million people insured under the ACA, I’ve defeated Big Pharma, I’ve forgiven 5 million people’s student debt, the first black woman in [Supreme] Court. … Judge me by what I’ve done. … Try sitting behind that desk and making those decisions.
“I don’t care what these substantial names think. They were wrong in 2020. They were wrong in 2022 about the red wave. They’re wrong in 2024…. Come out with me. Watch, watch people’s reactions. You judge.”
President Biden’s message to Democrats calling on him to drop out of 2024 presidential race:
“Run against me. Go ahead—challenge me at the convention.” https://t.co/KXG6iO7Jv8 photo:twitter.com/ynuBBwyqmj
— Good morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) July 8, 2024
Biden visited Pennsylvania twice on Sunday, starting with an appearance at Mt. Airy Church of God in Philadelphia.
“There’s still a lot to do to provide jobs and justice. There’s still a lot to do. But first and foremost, we have to protect our rights – the rights of all Americans to make sure that democracy works for you.”
“People, I know with every fiber of my being — I know I don’t look 40, but I’ve been around a while. It’s hell turning 40. But all kidding aside, I’ve been doing this a long time. And honestly, I’ve never been more confident about the future of America if we stick together.”
The President and First Lady then traveled to Harrisburg for a meet and greet at the AFSCME Council 13 building, where they were joined by Lt. Governor Austin Davis, US Senator John Fetterman AND Representative Madeleine Dean (D-04) as well as various other Pennsylvania Democratic leaders. He spoke briefly and was met with frequent chants of “Four more years” and “Si, se puede” (Yes, you can) from the gathered crowd.
“I’m not sorry. I’m the most pro-union president in American history,” Biden said. “Unions build the middle class. The other guy has the most debt of any president in American history. Corporate profits have doubled. They’ve doubled. And we have to do something about it.”
Fetterman began his remarks with a gesture to Biden.
“I’m going to point out the only person who ever kicked Trump’s ass in an election. Trump humiliated. Broken. And he had to lie about it. Fox had to write an $800 million check trying to talk about those lies.
“I’m proud to stand here next to this president. He’s my president. He’s your president.”
“I had the historic honor of serving alongside this president for three and a half years,” said Dean, who joked about the challenge of following Biden and Fetterman around the microphone.
“What an incredible run. Look at what has been accomplished under this president. And I can tell you up close and personal, the contrast couldn’t be greater.
“Remember, all the freedoms that you fight for, that we fight for, come from our democracy. I was there on January 6th. I was led out in a gas mask. I didn’t know where we were going or who was going to be hurt or killed. I watched as Trump supporters, incited by this president, went to the Capitol and used Trump flags and grotesquely used American flags to beat up police officers, to maim them. Five of them died.
“Democracy is on the line. There is no greater patriot than Joe Biden to serve us.”
Davis concluded the formalities by stating how vital Biden is to his daughter’s future.
“This election is about making sure that we have a president who cares about each and every one of us, that we have a president who believes in the promise of America, and that we have a president who will always defend our fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms. I want my daughter to have the same rights that her mother was born with, and to have the same ability to live the American dream. I trust Joe Biden with my daughter’s future.”
Athena Williamsmember of the Pennsylvania Democratic Latino Caucus, was impressed by what she saw.
“It was a really good event. I was feeling down, social media and a lot of the news was pretty negative after the debate,” she said.
“We live in a society where if you make one mistake, you’re out. And Democrats have very high standards for themselves and for each other. President Biden has talked about the economy, unions, and he knows people are struggling. I decided I didn’t want to be a negative person on social media, arguing about his debate performance, when I could be focusing on what we as Democrats want to achieve and what we’ve achieved.”
Commissioner of the Manheim commune Carol Gifford wasn’t sure what to expect from the event in Harrisburg, but it turned out that her expectations were not only met, but exceeded.
“He was the president in appearance, demeanor, attitude, remarks and interactions,” she said later. “Those in attendance — many of them from several counties across the Midstate — said they had spoken to neighbors and community members after the debate who said they thought Biden had a bad night — but that was one night — and he was a great president whose policies helped the country.
“The president took the time to meet the people present, talk to them, answer their questions and comments. He was relaxed and funny. He looked much better than we did in this heat!”
