After 19 months, Joe Biden closed out his presidential campaign Monday night in Pennsylvania, slamming President Donald Trump and delivering a promise of hope for a country divided if he wins on Tuesday.
The Democratic nominee returned to a critical swing state where he launched his campaign over a year ago and delivered the same message: this election is a battle for the soul of the nation and Mr. Biden promised hope for a wounded nation.
“Tomorrow’s the beginning of a new day,” Biden told hundreds of supporters at a drive-in rally. “I have a feeling we’re coming together for a big win tomorrow!”
The crowd of 750 cars lined up outside Heinz Field in Pittsburgh while Mr. Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris held a drive-in rally of her own at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, which was live-streamed on a large screen at the Pittsburgh rally.
Music stars John Legend played in Philadelphia, while Lady Gaga performed in Pittsburgh. Both urged voters to vote like their lives depend on it. Back in Pittsburgh, Mr. Biden’s wife, Jill, spoke before her husband took the stage.
“Are you ready to tell Donald Trump, ‘You’re fired’?” she said.
In Philadelphia, Harris promised voters she and Mr. Biden would work hard for all Americans and put an end to some of the fears and struggles they face.
“We will confront, not condone white supremacy and fight for economic justice, no matter your zip code or your race,” she said. “And Pennsylvania, we will begin the work of healing.”
There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic is at the heart of the issues for the majority of Americans. Both candidates have taken a different approach to how they see the virus and several polls have shown the majority of voters trust the Democratic nominee over the President.
Late Sunday, the President threatened to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci at a campaign rally, telling his supporters to wait until after the election. African Americans and Latinos have been the hardest demographic hit by the pandemic, according to John Hopkins University.
“We’re looking at over nine million people who have contracted the virus, and we know it’s hitting communities of color the hardest,” Harris said. “Latinos are contracting COVID at three times the rate of others, Black folks are dying at twice the rate of others.”
Back in Pittsburgh, Mr. Biden delivered a speech on his plans to expand health care, address income inequality and racial injustice. Earlier in the day, he had traveled to Cleveland and held another event in Pennsylvania but made it a point to tell voters how important the state is to the campaign.
Mr. Biden’s campaign has repeatedly said the former Vice President has multiple paths to victory, but his easiest route is through the rust belt states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The Democratic nominee will make Election Day appearances in Scranton and Philadelphia in one last effort to get out the vote.
“We are still in the battle for the soul of America: decency, honor and respect,” Biden said. “Where has it gone with this president? Well let me tell you something folks, tomorrow is the beginning of a new day!”
