Speeches and Remarks

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin

3:59 P.M. CDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Wisconsin!  (Applause.)  Hi, everyone.  Oh.  (Applause.)

Can we hear it for Cisco?  (Applause.)

Good afternoon, Wisconsin.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Oh, it’s wonderful to be back and here at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.  Thank you all.  (Applause.)  Go Eagles!  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  Oh, it’s good to meet everyone.

And, Mark Cuban, thank you for all that you are and being a partner in this.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

So, some of you may know, when I was five years old, we lived in Wisconsin.  (Applause.)  My parents taught at the University of Wisconsin in Madison for a time.  And every now — every time I come now, when I land, Governor Evers will greet me, and he’ll say, “Welcome home.”  (Applause.)  So, it is good to be back in Wisconsin.  (Laughs.)

And this is a room full of leaders, and I thank you all for taking the time out of your busy lives to be here to have this conversation. 

I want to thank Mayor Reynolds.  Thank you for the warm welcome and all you do.  (Applause.)

And, La Crosse, let’s reelect someone who has spent her career fighting for the families of Wisconsin: your senator, Tammy Baldwin.  (Applause.)  We need her in Washington.  We need her in Washington.  Good.

So, Election Day is in 19 days — (applause) — 19 days.  And — and if — anyone, if you all have a chair or a seat, please do seat — sit, for anyone who has a chair.  Okay?  (Laughter.)

So, listen, we are nearing the home stretch, and this is going to be a tight race until the very end.  And we —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  You got this!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We got this.  (Applause.)  I see you.

And — and reality check: We are the underdog.  Okay?  And that’s why I’m here with you, and you are taking the time to do the hard work that is necessary.  It’s why I’m campaigning for every vote, because I want and intend to be a president for all Americans — (applause) — and no matter their political party, where they live, or where they get their news.  Okay?  (Laughter and applause.)

And on that point, last night, you may have seen I went on Fox News.  (Applause.)  And while I was doing that, Donald Trump was at a Univision town hall where a voter asked him about January 6th.

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  So, now, we here know January 6th was a tragic day.  It was a day of terrible violence.  There were attacks on law enforcement.  A hundred and forty law enforcement officers were injured; some were killed. 

And what did Donald Trump say last night about January 6th?   He called it a — quote, “a day of love.”

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  But — but it points out something that everyone here knows.  The American people are exhausted with his gaslighting — (applause) — exhausted with his gaslighting.  Enough. 

We are ready to turn the page.  (Applause.)  Let’s turn the page.  We’re done. 

     And, Wisconsin —

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And I’ll — (laughs).  And we’re not going back, because this election — (laughs) —

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back! 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we are not going back because we know that this election is about two very different visions for our nation: one that has focused his on the past and ours that is focused on the future.  (Applause.)

As represented by everyone here, and especially the students who are here right now — (applause) — yeah, you guys.  You guys.  Yeah.  Yeah.  It’s about you guys.  It really is.  It really is.

And we know that America is ready for a new way forward.  (Applause.)  We are ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — which is why Democrats and independents and Republicans are supporting our campaign. 

In fact, just yesterday, I was with over 100 Republican leaders from across the country who joined me on the campaign trail.  (Applause.)  Really.  And as they said, it was about putting country before party.  And some of them served in Donald Trump’s previous administration — the people who know him best.   Okay?

And I believe, and I think we all know, Americans want a president who works for all the American people.  (Applause.)  It’s what we deserve.  And that has been the story of my entire career. 

 In my career, I’ve only ever had one client: the people.  (Applause.)  When I was a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks, fought to deliver $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  I stood up for veterans and students being scammed by for-profit colleges.  (Applause.)  I stood up for workers who were being cheated out of the wages they were due, stood up for seniors facing elder abuse.

And I promise, as president, I will always fight for all the American people.  And together — together, we can and we will build a future — a brighter future for our nation.  That’s why we’re all here together.  We love our country.  (Applause.) 

Together, we will build, in that future, what I call an opportunity economy, which is where every American has an opportunity to own a home, to start a business, to build wealth.  Under my plan — and I know this is a big deal for the young people here — we will bring down the cost of housing.  (Applause.)  Because there was a time that generations of Americans could count on the American dream, but for far too many these days, it is just out of reach. 

So, we will deal with the housing supply.  And I will commit to creating a $25,000 down payment assistance so you can, for the first-time homebuyers, just get your foot in the door.  (Applause.) 

We will help entrepreneurs and sm- — small businesses to begin and grow because we know small businesses are part of America’s backbone in terms of the strength of our economy. 

You know, the woman who helped raise my sister and me was a small-business owner.  I know — are we — do we have small-business owners who are here?  Raise your hand.  (Applause.)  Yeah.  You are not only business leaders; you are civic leaders, you are community leaders, and you really are part of the backbone of America’s economy, and we’ve got to invest in you and make your jobs easier.  (Applause.)

My plan will help expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors.  (Applause.)  And this is personal for me. 

So, part of you may know — part of — some of you may know that, when my mother was sick, I — I took care of her.  And for anybody who has taken care of an elder parent when they are in their time of need, the work includes trying to cook something that they feel like eating — right? — helping them put on a sweater, trying to make them just laugh from time to time.  Right?  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity.  (Applause.)

But for far too many people, including people in the sandwich generation, who are raising young children and taking care of a parent — oh, it’s so rough.  And so, my plan is this.  It’s to say, instead of how it currently is, which is, in order for you to be able to get help to come in, you’re going to have to pretty much get rid of all your savings to qualify for Medicaid — what I’m saying is, no, this is a matter of dignity and it is a matter of your ability to participate in the workforce and be productive and have a quality of life. 

So, we’re going to change the system so Medicare will cover your ability to have home health care for your elder parent.  (Applause.)  Because, you see, part of the difference between the way we see our country and the world and the way my opponent sees it is we actually see real people and care about them — (applause) — and have a sense of understanding about how tough times can be but how good times can be if we put the work into solving problems instead of trying to run on problems, like Donald Trump.  (Applause.)

And so, that’s why we will also lower costs on everything from health care to groceries, including taking on corporate price gouging, which I’ve done before and I will do again.  (Applause.) 

And we will give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 for young parents for star- — parents who are just starting out during the first year of their child’s life, knowing the vast majority of our parents have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to do it.  And so, this is about helping folks out to be able to buy a car seat and a crib just during that most critical phase of their child’s development. 

This is all about dignity, and this is about understanding.  (Applause.)

And so, I share this to say I will always put the middle class and working families first.  It’s where I come from, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)  I will never forget where I come from. 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you, Kamala!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now, Donald Trump has a different plan. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I love you back, by the way.  Thank you.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.) 

     Donald Trump has a different plan.  So, just google Project 2025.

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now we’re at a — a place of higher learning, so I must say — (laughter) — I can’t believe they put that thing in writing.  I really can’t.  (Laughter and applause.)  They — they put it in writing.  They bound it.  Like, they bound it and handed it out. 

So, look, we read it, right?  It’s a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president. 

You know, I said many times — you’ve heard me say — Donald Trump is an unserious man, and the consequences of him ever getting his foot back in the Oval Office are brutally serious — brutally serious.  (Applause.) 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, Donald Trump — right? — that’s why we’re here together, and we — we’re here because we know we got work to do still. 

Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He will cut Social Security and Medicare. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He will get rid of the $35 cap on insulin for seniors. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He will make it easier for companies to — check this out — he will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers —

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and will impose what I have named a “Trump sales tax,” because, essentially, he plans on putting a 20 percent tax, if not higher, on everyday basic necessities, which economists have estimated will cost the average American $4,000 more a year. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he has no plan to replace it. 

     AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  “Concepts”!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You guys watched the debate.  (Laughter.)  He has, quote, “concepts of a plan” — “concepts” — “concepts.”  (Laughter.)

So, here’s the thing.  Again, it’s a serious issue, right?  So, he’s going to threaten the health insurance coverage of 45 million people in America based on a concept —

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — taking us back to when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was?  Well, we are —

     AUDIENCE:  Not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — not going back.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  We are not going back.  We are not going back.  (Laughs.)  We’re not going back. 

     AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We’re not going back, and just like Wisconsin’s state motto tells us, we will move —

     AUDIENCE:  Forward!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — forward.  (Applause.)  We will move forward.

Because ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom — for freedom — like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do.  (Applause.) 

Right.  I see you.  Thanks.

And, again, we’re not going to be gaslighted on this.  We remember Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court wi- —

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Lies.  Lies.  That’s a lie.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally.  (Laughter and applause.)  No, I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Come on.

So — but back to the matter at ha- — we need a medic here.  We need a medic.  We — right here, and then pr- — let’s part the way so someone can come through and bring help. 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  She’s okay.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Sh- — okay?  Okay.  All right.  We’re good.

So, on the subject of his intention and what he actually did to undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, let’s understand what has happened since.  It is now the case that, in America, one in three women live in a state with a Trump abortion ban.  Many — many of these bans have no exception even for rape or incest.

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And you react that way because we understand the idea that someone who calls themselves a leader would even make no exceptions for a survivor of a violation to their body, and to tell that survivor they have no right to make a decision about what happens to their body next, that’s immoral.  That’s immoral.  It’s immoral.  (Applause.)

And I know we all agree one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do.  (Applause.)  If she chooses, she will talk with her priest — if she chooses, she will talk with her priest or her pastor, her rabbi, her imam but not the government telling her what to do. 

And it is my pledge to you that when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom nationwide, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law — (applause) — proudly — proudly sign it into law. 

     So — 

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Lots of work — lots of work to do.

So, listen, so much is on the line in this election.  You all know that.  Again, that’s why you’re here. 

And this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court told the former president he is effectively immune no matter what he does in the White House.

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now think about that.  Think about that.  Just imagine Donald Trump with no guard rails.  Right?  He who has vowed, if reelected, he will be a dictator on day one. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He who has called — he who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States of America.

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And let us be very clear: Someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again.  Never again.

And then consider the comments that he made just in the last few days, because he just — he’s got more.  (Laughter.)  He said he will target and punish those who disagree with him or refuse to bend to his will.  He calls these Americans “the enemy within” —

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and says that he would use the American military to go after American citizens: journalists whose stories he doesn’t like, nonpartisan election officials who refuse to cheat by finding a few extra votes for him, judges who insist on following the law instead of following him.

It is for reasons like these that General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — Donald Trump’s top general — has called Trump, and I quote, “fascist to the core.”  (Applause.)

And it is clear Donald Trump is increasingly unstable and unhinged and will stop at nothing to claim unchecked power for himself.  He wants to send the military after American citizens.  He wants to prevent women from making decisions about their own body.  He wants to threaten fundamental freedoms and rights, like the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, to breathe clean air and drink clean water, and the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election.  So much is on the line. 

And, Wisconsin, when it comes down to it, look, we are all here together because we know what is at stake.  We are all here together because we love our country.  (Applause.)  And I do believe it is the highest form of patriotism to then fight for the ideals of our country and fight — Cisco, you said it — to realize the promise of America — (applause) — the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 19 days.  And here in Wisconsin, early voting starts next Tuesday, October 22nd.  (Applause.)  So, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  And if you have received your ballot — if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it today. 

And remember that Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, right?  (Applause.)  So, if you are not registered to vote, you can register when you vote.  And please do vote early or on election day because the election is — and bring an ID — (laughs) — (applause) — because the election is here. 

 And, listen, I’m telling everybody what you already know and have been doing.  We’ve got to energize.  Let’s mobilize.  Let’s organize.  Let’s — let’s continue in this process, also, to do what everyone here is doing: Let’s build community.  (Applause.)  You know?  Let’s — let’s build coalitions. 

Let’s remind each other that we are all in this together.  Let’s remind each other we have so much more in common than what separates us.  (Applause.) 

 And let’s do all this knowing that our vote is our voice, and your voice is your power.  (Applause.)

 So, Wisconsin, today, I then ask you: Are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

     And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

     And when we fight —

     AUDIENCE:  We win!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.  (Applause.)

     God bless you.  God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

                         END                     4:26 P.M. CDT

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Berlin Brandenberg International Airport
Schönefeld, Germany

10:13 P.M. CET

THE PRESIDENT:  It’s a good day for the world.  We got Si- — I called Bibi Netanyahu to congratulate him on getting Sinwar.  He has a lot of blood on his hands — American blood, Israeli blood, and others.

And I told him that we were really pleased with his actions and, further, that now is the time to move on — move on, move towards a ceasefire in Gaza, make sure that we move in a direction that we’re going to be in a position to make things better for the whole world. 

It’s time for this war to end and bring these hostages home.  And so, that’s what we’re ready to do.  That’s what we’re going to be — and I’m sending Tony Blinken to Israel — I guess he’s going in five days — four days — four or five days.  Anyway, he’s going.  And I talked with Bibi about that.  We’re going to work out what — what is the day after now, what — how do we secure Gaza and move on. 

So, thank you very much.

Q    Do you feel more hopeful, sir, about a ceasefire?

THE PRESIDENT:  I do.  I do feel more hopeful.

Q    Do you have a sense of when he will end the war, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Hopefully, he — very soon. 

10:14 P.M. CET

The post Remarks by President Biden After Air Force One Arrival | Schönefeld, Germany appeared first on The White House.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1:13 P.M. CDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Today, Israel confirmed that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, is dead and justice has been served, and the United States, Israel, and the entire world are better off as a result.

Sinwar was responsible for the killing of thousands of innocent people, including the victims of October 7 and hostages killed in Gaza.  He had American blood on his hands.

Today, I can only hope that the families of the victims of Hamas feel a sense and measure of relief.

Sinwar was the mastermind of October 7, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust — a terrorist attack that killed 1,200 innocent people and included horrific sexual violence and more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza, including 7 Americans, living and deceased, who remain in captivity; a terrorist attack that triggered a devastating war in Gaza — a war that has led to unconscionable suffering of many innocent Palestinians and greater instability throughout the Middle East.
    
In the past year, American special operations and intelligence personnel have worked closely with their Israeli counterparts to locate and track Sinwar and other Hamas leaders, and I commend their work.

And I will say to any terrorist who kills Americans, threatens the American people, or threatens our troops or our interests, know this: We will always bring you to justice.

Israel has a right to defend itself, and the threat Hamas poses to Israel must be eliminated.

Today, there is clear progress toward that goal.  Hamas is decimated, and its leadership is eliminated.

This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza, and it must end such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.  And it is time for the day after to begin without Hamas in power.

We will not give up on these goals, and I will always work to create a future of peace, dignity, and security for all.

     I thank you all.

                             END                  1:16 P.M. CDT

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3:53 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello.  (Applause.)

Joe, thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) 

I’m sure you’re clapping because I’m the last speaker. 

Well, that was worth that partial comment — or concert.  You know what he said on the way out?  Can I tell them, pal?  He said, “If I get a Grammy, I’m going to give it to you,” the only guy in this whole darn church who can’t sing a note.  (Laughter.)

My dad used to have a band and sang.  He said, “Joey, I don’t know where the hell you came from.  You can’t carry a tune.  You can’t sing.  You can’t dance.  I don’t know where you came from, but I love you anyway.”  (Laughter.)

Father MacMillan, thank you for everything.  Thank you for — for being so good to us. 

President Clinton, President Obama, distinguished guests; the Kennedy family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, it’s been an emotional journey listening to all of you.  When I knew I was going to be the last speaker, I thought, “How did that happen?”  Because, you know, it brings back so many memories. 

Ethel was always there for so many people, and she played an essential role in my life as well — maybe a little different than with others.  She was there as soon as I entered political office in 1972 as a 29-year-old kid before I got sworn in. 

I was in her brother-in-law’s office — Teddy’s office — hiring staff — I was only 29; you had to be 30 years old to be sworn in, and I wasn’t 30 yet — when I got a phone call from the fire department in my — by my house saying there had been an accident.  A tractor-trailer had broadsided my wife’s automobile, Christmas shopping with a Christmas tree on top, on December 18th, and killed my wife and killed my daughter, and my boys weren’t expected to live. 

When I lost my family — and she was there.  Joe, your mom was there then — then.  

As soon as I got elected president, I received a letter from your mom.  The letterhead was titled Mrs. Robert Kennedy, and in her very neat handwriting, she had written that she took great comfort in knowing the country was in good hands. 

She had no idea, for a 29-year-old kid in that circumstance, how much it meant.  Because as some of you know — Bill knows — I didn’t plan on sticking around after that accident. 

She said she was honored and proud there was a bust of her husband, Bobby Kennedy, in my office, the Oval Office. 

I have only two political heroes in my life: Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy.  Not a joke.  So, I didn’t realize — my two colleagues from the — who were president know — you get to pick what you want in your office, and I wanted to be able to see both of them from my — from the Resolute Desk by the fireplace: Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy.

And days later, I received another letter from her that I’ll always remember, and I know all of you look forward to each year: a valentine card — a valentine card.  Which, in our house, Valentine’s Day is known as “Jill’s holiday.”  (Laughter.)

Like Ethel, Jill is a practical joker.  This was no surprise — it was no surprise that Jill loved Ethel’s card that year, which said — I’m not sure the hundred others who receive it felt the same way because, apparently, she sent that card — she sent it to everyone that year.  (Laughter.)  It was a picture of me and Ethel surrounded by hearts.  (Laughter.)  Oh, you think I’m kidding.  I — it meant a lot to me, I’m telling you.

Printed — the language on the card, it said — in the printed language of the card, it said, “I’m not Biden my time waiting for you, Valentine.”  (Laughter.)  And then in her handwriting, she says, “‘Cause he’s no ordinary Joe.”  (Laughter.) 

I don’t know how many of you got that damn valentine, but I tell you what, it meant a lot to me.  (Laughter.)  I’ve received a lot honors in my life, but that might be the best one I’ve ever received.  (Laughter and applause.)

You know, yes, Ethel was Mrs. Robert Kennedy.  She was one of my politi- — he was my — as I said, one of my political heroes.  But I always knew her as Ethel Kennedy, a hero in her own right.  I loved Bobby Kennedy.  I’ve only met him once when I was in Syracuse law school and he was campaigning.  But I — I just — I admired him so damn much. 

I’ve told John Kerry this, my buddy.  I — I could picture Bobby at my kitchen table with my dad and my mom.  I could picture him there.

But, you know, Ethel was a hero in her own right, full of character, full of integrity and empathy — and genuine empathy. 

She was full of laughter and joy and light.  She was a great athlete in her own right, for real.  She was a mother.  Literally, there was nothing, from my perspective and, I suspect, most of you, that she couldn’t do — nothing.

Four years later, after I had gotten — after Bobby — she lost her beloved Bobby, she invited me and my boys to her home after the accident left my family broken, having lost my wife and daughter, my boys barely making it.  Along with Teddy, she got me through a time I didn’t want to stick around.  I wanted no part of being in the Congress or the Senate.  I mean it.

I’d spoken to my governor, because we had elected a Democratic governor, to find a replacement for me.  But Teddy and Ethel Kennedy would hear nothi- — none of it. 

You know, the fact is, like she did for the country, Ethel helped my family find a way forward with principle and purpose. 

We saw how she picked up Bobby’s cause and stamped her own mark on the country.  Marching for civil rights, as you heard about today, and working to end poverty at home, attempting to secure peace abroad, and so much more.  She once said, “For anyone to achieve something, you have to show a little courage.  You’re only on this Earth once.  You must give it all you’ve got.”

Reminded me of my mom.  My mom used to say, “Joey, courage lives in every heart, and one day you’ll be called upon.  Be ready to stand up.”  And that’s not — that’s from Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, and she meant it.  She meant it.

For over 50 years, with Ethel’s own iron will and moral courage, she gave it everything she had, and we’re a better nation and a better world because of Ethel Kennedy. 

Let me close with this.  On a Sunday in May this year, I delivered a commencement speech at Morehouse College in Atlanta.  I noted that had we been in church that day, there’d be a reflection about the resurrection and redemption.  We remember Jesus was buried on Friday, and on Sunday, he rose again.  But we don’t talk nearly enough about that Saturday when his disciples felt all hope was lost — all hope was lost. 

In our lives and in the life of the nation, we have those Saturdays — and thank God your mom, your grandmom, your great-grandmom was — was there for me — to bear witness to the day before glory, to see people’s pain and not look away.  But work is to be done on Saturday, is to move pain to purpose.  How can faith get a person, get a nation through what is coming? 

Well, my message to all of us here today and to the entire the country is look to Ethel Kennedy’s faith. 

To the Kennedy family — presumptuous of me to say this and maybe sound inappropriate, but to the Kennedy family, the Biden family is here for you, as you’ve always been for us.  You changed the life of my boys.  You really did.

When I lost my son Beau, he was attorney general of the state of Delaware.  And he volunteered to join the National Guard as attorney general.  You either have to be state property or federal property.  And he temporarily gave up his office to go with his unit for a year in Iraq.  And unfortunately, I was in — in out — in and out of Iraq, as Barack knows, because — and Afghanistan 30-some times.  And I got to see him several times.

But the bad news was he was about a quarter to a half mile away from a burn pit — 100 yards long, 10 feet deep, burning everything from waste to — everything, poisoning the air.  And he came home with Stage 4 glioblastoma and he died.  Your mom was there then too. 

I apologize.

So, from the Biden family to the Kennedy family, the hymn that’s very close to our heart based on the 91st psalm, it goes like this: “May he raise you up on eagle’s wings and bear you on the breath of dawn, and make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.” 

May God bless Ethel Kennedy, and may we — she re- — may be — she be reunited with the blessed pieces of her soul in Heaven.

God bless you all.  And thank you for letting me participate.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

4:04 P.M. EDT

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5:54 P.M. EDT
 
THE FIRST LADY:  Thank you.  (Applause.)
 
Thank you, Alexa.  And I’m excited to see your generation forging new connections to our past and shining such a bright light into our future.
 
And I’m also grateful to the National Italian American Foundation.  (Applause.)  John, Robert, you’ve all — you’ve helped so many people experience our heritage in Italy and preserve it here in the United States.  So, thank you.
 
Buonasera, everyone.  (Laughter.) 
 
AUDIENCE:  Buonasera!
 
THE FIRST LADY:  And welcome to the White House.
 
When I was a little girl, I learned what it means to be Italian American in my grandparents’ tiny, well-worn kitchen — and not only because there were ribbons of pasta — homemade pasta and sauce bubbling over on the stove.
 
No, the most important lesson that I learned in their kitchen was that, when you’re Italian American, there’s always room for one more chair at the table — (applause) — enough bread toast to feed one more guest, enough space in our hearts for another friend to become like family. 
 
And even when times are hard, there’s —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Looking at me.  (Laughter.)
 
THE FIRST LADY:  There’s always enough time to — (the president makes the sign of the cross) — (laughter) — enjoy the pleasures of life together.
 
My grandparents also taught me to never waste an opportunity to invite more people to the table and make a difference together.  So, I knew I had to bring those values of love, abundance, and service to the White House as the first Italian American first lady.  (Applause.)
 
That’s why I’ve used this platform to give more women a seat at the table in discussions about their own health — (applause) — to hear from military families about how we can support them, to uplift community college students. 
 
And I’ve had the opportunity to bring so many more people inside the historic walls of the White House by creating new educational experiences that allow more Americans to immerse themselves in this house, the People’s House; by using these rooms to celebrate the young people who are changing our world; by honoring the immigrants who helped build this country; and tonight — (applause) — thank you — and tonight, gathering with this community — my community — to celebrate our culture.  (Laughter.)
 
So, it’s been the honor of my life to serve as first lady.  And during my time here, I’ve often thought of my great-grandparents leaving everything they knew behind to chase the promise of America.  And then, when they arrived on Ellis Island to take their first strides into a new life, I don’t think that they could ever have imagined that a group of hundreds of Italian Americans — coming together in the White House.
 
When our roots run deep, there’s no limit to how high we can reach.  So, tonight, I hope that you feel the power of our ancestors’ values beating inside of us as we carry their legacy forward; that you feel home — you feel at home, eat good food, and end up with a little something sweet together, as a family.  (Laughter.)
 
Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce a man who’s always felt at home — (laughs) — with Italian Americans.  (Applause.)  In fact, Joe first met my family at a big cookout at my grandparents’ house in Hammonton, New Jersey. 
 
So, I was pretty nervous, you know, about Joe coming to meet my family.  But as soon as Joe pulled up into the driveway — and you kn- — you can picture this — my tiny grandmom bolted out of the house, bounded down the porch steps, in her housecoat and her apron, and she gave Joe this huge hug, as if she’d known him his entire life.  And before he could even get a plate, Joe was greeted not as a stranger but as family.
 
Over the years, I’ve seen the Italian American community extend the same joyful love and support to Joe.  You mean so much to him.  (Laughs.)
 
So, please welcome — I don’t know why I’m getting so emotional — your president, my husband, Joe.  (Applause.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Welcome to the White House.  (Applause.)   My name is Joe Biden, and I’m Jill Biden’s husband.  (Laughter and applause.)
 
Now, I may be Irish, but I’m not stupid.  (Laughter.)  I married Dominic Giacoppa’s granddaughter. 
 
And five years ago, I want you to know, I received the Sons of Italy Man of the Year award.  To the best of my knowledge, I’m the only non-Italian ever to receive that award.  (Laughter and applause.)  There was a large crowd when I received that award.  It was down by the train station. 
 
You know, I said I — I moved from an Irish Catholic neighborhood in Scranton to an Italian Catholic neighborhood in Claymont, Delaware.  And I went from a — where — a place where you ended like Finnegan and Murphy and all that, down if your name didn’t lend — end in “O,” you’re in real trouble.  (Laughter.) 
 
I was one of the few guys whose name didn’t end in “O.”  I’d look out there and look at all my friends.  You know, I accepted the award and named some of the guys I grew up with next door: Sonny Daramo, whose mom would say, “Joey, it’s not sauce; it’s gravy, Joey.  It’s gravy, Joey.”  (Laughter and applause.)  Oh, you think I’m kidding.  I’m not.  (Laughter.)
 
No, Anzilotti, De- — Sabatino, Buchini, Bifferato, Ceni, Congialdi, Deluterio, Monaco — no, you think I’m kidding —  Tancr- —
 
By the way, after I talked about it, I looked down at that crowd and said, “You know…” — thinking about it, I said, “I deserve this damn award.”  (Laughter.)  “With that many Italian friends, man, I deserve that award.”  (Laughter.)
 
Thank you, Alexa, for being here and sharing your pride in your family and your heritage. 
 
Look, and it’s great to see so many friends from the National Italian American Foundation, you know, the Sons and Daughters of Italy, and so many other Italian American leaders and organization from all across the country.
 
You know, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be president without you.  I wouldn’t be president without the Italian American community. 
 
Now, what she didn’t say is we do have something in common.  I’m Catherine Eugenia Finnegan — Irish Catholics background.  You guys, a lot of you are Catholics, you know.  (Laughter.)  I know you don’t admit it as much, but there — (laughter).
 
This month is about celebrating the extraordinary contributions and proud, proud herita- — heritage of Italian Americans to our nation.  And it’s kind of endless. 
 
For some of our families, your story is America’s story.  It stretches back generations.  For others, it just started.  No matter when these st- — stories of immigrants who left everything behind to travel across the ocean in pursuit of the American dream just for a shot — just a simple shot.  You and your ancestors worked hard to help build this country and build the middle class. 
 
People like my college friend, the late Congressman Bill Pascrell — he’s been — Bill, Jr. is here.  Where — where are you, Bill?  (Applause.)  There you are. 
 
I used to kid his dad all the time.  I said, “You know, Delaware may be the second-smallest state in the Union, but we own the Delaware River up to the highwater mark in New Jersey.”   (Laughter.)  There was actually a Supreme Court case about that.  Anyway.  (Laughter.)
 
But he represented New Jersey, and his son represents the House of Representatives.  And Bill did it for 27 years, when he passed away this summer.  He was the grandson of Italian immigrants, a giant in the community, and a devoted patriot to the nation.  You got good blood, kid, as my dad would say.  (Applause.) 
 
He was a part of a proud, proud heritage of Italian Americans who enrich every part of American life: entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, chefs, diplomats, doctors, servicemembers, veterans, athletes, actors, artists, and so much more.  There’s nothing the Italian community is not engaged in — I mean, virtually nothing.  There’s noth- — no community you don’t excel in.
 
But I also know it wasn’t always easy.  Many of your ancestors faced horrific discrimination, like my ancestors faced horrific discrimination, when they first came to our shores.  Yet, even in the face of — Italian Americans proved that they had the resilient spirit and a devotion to family and community, an unshakeable faith in the promise of a better tomorrow. 
 
You know, my dad used to have an expression.  He’d say, “Joey, family is the beginning, the middle, and the end — the beginning, the middle, and the end.”  It’s a faith that has carried through to today, both at home and abroad. 
 
Italian Americans are central to our nation’s deep friendship and strategic partnership with Italy.  I’ve — I’ve worked out a really good relationship with the Italians.  I’m — well, Ital- — I better have done that but at home.  (Laughter.)  But all kidding aside, with th- — with Italy.  What a magnificent country.
 
You know, and — anyway, I won’t get started.  But — (laughter) — you know, the bond between our countries is founded on a shared principle and shared commitments, including the shared support for the brave people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s illegal (inaudible).  (Applause.)
 
I might add, they have a female leader.  (Applause.)  I wish Sonny Daramo were here to hear that.  (Laughter.)
 
In addition, Italy’s remarkable stewardship with the presidency of the G7 this year, as well as Italy’s long-standing contributions to transatlantic security through NATO — look, and their strong leadership in the European Union — it underscores how important Italy’s role is on the global stage, not just, you know, for America but for the world.   
 
You know, let me close with this.  You know, Michelangelo famously said he “saw an angel in the marble, and I carved until I set it free.”  “I saw an angel in the marble, and I carved until I set it free.”  To me, that’s the essence of what Italian Americans have done to our country for our entire history.  You’ve carved until you set us free.  I’m — I’m being dead- — deadly earnest.  
 
We’re all reminded that when Jill and I had the honor to host one of the greatest singers of all time, in my view, Andrea Bocelli, here at the White House for Christmas in our first year in office, he performed with his son and his daughter as if they were a choir of herald angels.  They were incredible.  You know, with their God-given talent, the Bocelli family moved our hearts, pierced our souls — and I mean this sincerely — I have all of the music on my — and they embodied the spirit and beauty of all that connects us as people.  A powerful reminder that America’s story depends on — not on any one of us but on — not on some of us but all of us. 
 
It’s a story I see in all of you, working tirelessly — tirelessly to help realize the promise of America — and I mean it — for all Americans.  Not a joke.  Because some of you have been on the short end of the stick like my family growing up had been. 
 
This is what the Italian American Heritage Month is all about.  It’s about celebrating and connecting, feeling the pride in heritage and community, remembering who the hell we are. 
 
We’re the United States of America, and there’s nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together — nothing, nothing, nothing.  (Applause.)  No, I really mean it.
 
So, thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. 
 
And I want to tell you, you know what made me mo- — the — probably one of the most famous guys in my family — the whole family?  Not being president.  I took her to a beautiful little island off of Sicily.  (Laughter.)  And she keeps saying, “I’m going back.”  (Laughter.)
 
THE FIRST LADY:  Soon!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  “With — with or without you.”  (Laughter.)
 
So, folks, all kidding aside, thank you.  You’re an incredible community.  (Applause.) 
 
THE FIRST LADY:  Thank you.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  You’re an essential part of my life. 
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  Enjoy the day. 
 
God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops. 
 
Thank you.  (Applause.)  All right.
 
6:07 P.M. EDT

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Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania

3:53 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, everyone.  (Applause.)  Hi.  Hi, everyone.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon, Pennsylvania.  Good afternoon, everyone.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon. 

Bob and Kristina, thank you so very much for that introduction and for your friendship.  And as I’ve said to all the friends and leaders on the stage with me — we had a chance to speak ahead of time — I thank you all for everything that you are doing and the courage you are showing. 

You know, this is an extraordinary climate right now and — and I think we all recognize the — the courage that you are each showing to speak out so publicly and to put — as we are saying, because we truly believe it — country over party.  So, thank you all. 

And can we please applaud — (applause) — Bob and Kristina and all of the folks on the stage.  Please.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Truly.  Truly.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

So, if you all have a seat, please do sit.  (Laughs.)  Yes. 

So, as I think everyone here knows, we meet in a place that holds a very special meaning for our country.  Here, on Christmas night, 1776, General George Washington and over 2,000 troops crossed the icy Delaware River in darkness, then marched to Trenton, where they surprised an outpost of enemy soldiers and achieved a major victory in the American Revolution. 

And after we won the war and achieved our independence, delegates from across the nation gathered not far from here in Philadelphia to write and to sign the Constitution of the United States.  (Applause.)

And we remember and reflect on what that moment was, knowing that leading up to that, that work to write, to compose the Constitution of the United States — that work was not easy. 

The founders often disagreed, often quite passionately, but in the end, the Constitution of the United States laid out the foundations of our democracy, including the rule of law, that there would be checks and balances, that we would have free and fair elections, and a peaceful transfer of power.  (Applause.)

And these principles and traditions have sustained our nation for over two centuries — sustained because generations of Americans from all backgrounds, from all beliefs, have cherished them, upheld them, and defended them.  And now the baton is in our hands.

So, I am joined today by over 100 Republican leaders from across Pennsylvania and across our country — (applause) — who are supporting my candidacy for president of the United States, and I am deeply honored to have their support. 

Some served in state houses, some in the United States Congress.  Some worked for other Republican presidents and presidential nominees, including Mitt Romney, John McCain, George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan.  (Applause.)  And some, today, served in Donald Trump’s own administration. 

We also have with us Republican voters from here in Pennsylvania and beyond who have been active in their Republican parties for years, who have supported Republican candidates up and down the ticket. 

Now, I say all that to make an obvious point.  In a typical election year — (laughter) — you all being here with me might be a bit surprising — dare I say, unusual.  But not in this election — not in this election.  Because at stake in this race are the democratic ideals that our founders and generations of Americans before us have fought for.  At stake in this election is the Constitution of the United States it very self. 

We are here today because we share a core belief that we must put country before party.  (Applause.) 

     AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Indeed.  Because we cha- — and we chant that with such great pride, because we all know we all have so much more in common than what separates us.  (Applause.) 

And at some point in the career of the folks who join me on stage, one of the other things that we have in common is, in our careers, we have each sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States.  (Applause.)

And so, we know that sacred oath must always be honored and never violated, and that we should expect anyone who seeks the highest office in our land would meet that standard. 

We here know the Constitution is not a relic from our past but determines whether we are a country where the people can speak freely and even criticize the president without fear of being thrown in jail or targeted by the military — (applause); where the people can worship as they choose, without the government interfering — (applause); where you can vote without fear that your vote will be thrown away.  (Applause.)

All of this and more depends on whether or not our leaders honor their oath to the Constitution.  I have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution six times, including as vice president, as a United States senator, and as the top law enforcement officer of the largest state in our country.  (Applause.) 

And I have never wavered from upholding that oath.  And this is a profound difference between Donald Trump and me — he who violated the oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and, make no mistake, he who, if given the chance, will violate it again. 

Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.  (Applause.)  And he refused to accept the will of the people and the results of a free and fair election. 

He sent a mob — an armed mob — to the United States Capitol, where they violently assaulted police officers, law enforcement officials, and threatened the life of his own vice president.  And he refused to engage in the peaceful transfer of power. 

Were it not for the courage and patriotism of Vice President Pence that day, Donald Trump might have actually succeeded in overturning the will of the American people.  Let’s reflect on that. 

And now Donald Trump is telling us how he intends to use power if he is elected again.  He has stated that one of the biggest threats America faces is, quote, “the enemy from within” — the —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — “the enemy from within.” 

But know where that language hearkens back to.  Understand and let us be clear about what he is saying.  He considers any American who doesn’t support him or bend to his will to be an enemy to our country. 

And further, he says that, as commander in chief, he would use our military to go after them.  Honestly, let that sink in: use of the American military to go after American citizens. 

And we know who he would target first, because he has at- — targeted them and attacked them before: journalists whose stories he doesn’t like, nonpartisan election officials who refuse to cheat by finding extra votes for him, judges who insist on following the law instead of following him. 

It is clear Donald Trump is increasingly unstable and unhinged.  (Applause.)  And he is seeking unchecked power. 

Consider what his closest advisers have said.  His national security advisor, two defense secretaries, his former chief of staff, his own vice president all have warned America, Donald Trump is unfit to serve.  Or listen to General Milley, Donald Trump’s top general.  He has called Trump, and I quote, “fascist to the core,” and said, quote, “No one has ever been as dangerous to this country.” 

So, think about that.  General Milley served in uniform for more than 40 years, commanding American forces around the world.  He has confronted some of America’s worst enemies.  And he is saying no one has ever been as dangerous to our country as Donald Trump. 

America must heed this warning, because anyone who tramples on our democratic values, as Donald Trump has; anyone who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States, as Donald Trump has, must never again stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again. 

And to those — and to those who are watching, if you share that view, no matter your party, no matter who you voted for last time, there is a place for you in this campaign.  (Applause.)  The coalition we have built has room for everyone who is ready to turn the page on the chaos and instability of Donald Trump.

And I pledge to you to be a president for all Americans.  (Applause.)  And I take that pledge seriously.  I take that pledge quite seriously. 

So, as I’ve mentioned, many of you know, I spent a career as a prosecutor, in law enforcement.  And I will tell you, I never asked a victim or a witness, “Are you a Republican, or are you a Democrat?”  I never asked of anyone who needed help, if anyone who deserved attention, where were they registered and who did they vote for.  The only question I ever asked was, “Are you okay?”

And that is the k- — the kind of president I pledge to you that I will be.  (Applause.)  That is my pledge to you.  Because we have too much to do and too much good work to do to be relegated to — to requiring each of us to be in some silo, disconnected from each other.  There’s too much good to be done.

And the challenges that we face as a nation require us — if we truly want to create solutions and strengthen our nation, the approach truly requires that we understand we’re all in this together.  This is so much more than rhetoric or a campaign.  (Applause.)  It really is about tapping into the spirit of who we are as Americans, because we are all in this together.  We are all in this together. 

And so, I pledge to be a president who actively works to unite us around our highest aspirations.  I pledge to b- — you to be a president who is realistic and practical and has common sense and to always fight for the American people — (applause) — unlike Donald Trump, who, frankly, as we have seen, cares more about running on problems than fixing problems. 

I want to fix problems, which means working across the aisle.  It requires working across the aisle.  It requires embracing good ideas from wherever they come. 

That is why I have pledged to appoint a Republican in my Cabinet.  (Applause.)  That is why I have pledged to establish a council on bipartisan solutions to recommend to me commonsense solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our country.  (Applause.)  Because nobody has a corner on the good ideas.  (Laughter.)  They actually come from many places. 

And one should — especially if they want to be a leader, one should welcome those ideas — (applause) — and those ideas which are about, in particular, strengthening the middle class, securing our border, defending our freedoms, and maintaining our leadership in the world.  (Applause.)

And all of this is to also say that I believe, for America to be the world’s strongest democracy, we must have a healthy two-party system.  (Applause.)  Because it is when we have a healthy two-party system that leaders are then required to debate the merits of policy and to work, yes, across the aisle regularly and routinely to get things done. 

And I have experienced firsthand how important and rewarding that kind of bipartisan cooperation can be.  So, I’ll tell you.  When I was a United States senator, I served on the Senate Intelligence Committee.  It was actually my favorite committee for a number of reasons but specifically this.  There, we dealt with some of the most pressing issues affecting national security.  There, we would talk about hot spots around the world and what we needed to do to focus on keeping America safe and secure.  And to do that, we would review classified information, which required us to meet in a secure room.  Adam, you know, it’s called a SCIF.  (Laughter.)  Okay.

When we would go in that room, with all due respect, no cameras were allowed — (laughter) — no press.  And we would roll up our sleeves and get to work.  I’m telling you, senators of both parties would walk in that room, take off their suit jackets, roll up their sleeves, have a cup of coffee on the table, and we would have real conversations — real conversations, as Americans, because we understood that what happened in that room, well, the stakes were so high.  And therefore, it could not be — we could not afford to let it be about whether one was a Democrat or a Republican.  The stakes were too high. 

We were in that room, and it was all about us as Americans, about doing what is in the best interest of the safety and security of our nation.  I loved that work. 

And it was what we have as the theme of today.  It was country over party in action — in action.  (Applause.) 

So, I know it can be done.  And that is the standard of leadership and the aspiration that I have in terms of how we will work when, with your help, I am elected president of the United States.  (Applause.)  So —

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you.  Thank you. 

     So —

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Got to get to work.  We got to get to work.  (Laughter.)

So, let me just say an obvious point.  There’s a fundamental choice in this election, a very fundamental choice: a choice between the leadership that I pledge to offer to America — leadership that brings folks together, that builds consensus and focuses on making life better for you, with the knowledge that we have so much more in common than what separates us; and on the other hand, the choice of someone who I think we can guarantee will sit in the Oval Office plotting retribution, stew in his own grievances, and think only about himself and not you. 

So, as I have said, our campaign is not a fight against something; it is a fight for something.  (Applause.) 

     It is a fight for the fundamental principles upon which we were founded.  It is a fight for a new generation of leadership that is optimistic about what we can achieve together — Republicans, Democrats, and independents who want to move past the politics of division and blame and get things done on behalf of the American people. 

And when it all comes down to it, I know we are all here together this beautiful afternoon because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

And — and we are here because we know the deep privilege and pride that comes with being an American and the duty that comes along with it — (applause) — and the duty that comes along with it. 

     Imperfect though we may be, America is still that shining city upon a hill that inspires people around the world.  (Applause.)  And I do believe it is one of the highest forms of patriotism to fight for the ideals of our country.  (Applause.)

So, to people from across Pennsylvania and across our nation, let us together stand up for the rule of law, for our democratic ideals, and for the Constitution of the United States.  And in 20 days, we have the power to chart a new way forward, one that is worthy of this magnificent country that we are all blessed to call home. 

Thank you all.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

Thank you all.  Thank you all.  (Applause.)

                         END                    4:17 P.M. EDT

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Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Detroit, Michigan

12:27 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, about last night.  So, Donald Trump — I — I found it to be quite bizarre — actually called himself the “father of IVF.”  And if what he meant is taking responsibility, well, then, yeah, he should take responsibility for the fact that one is three women in America lives in a Trump abortion ban state. 

What he should take responsibility for is that couples who are praying and hoping and working toward growing a family have — have been so disappointed and — and harmed by the fact that IVF treatments have now been put at risk.

What he should take responsibility for is what we have been seeing across the country since he hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court, and they undid the protections of Roe v. Wade — Wade.

What he should take responsibility for is that he has been trying to take away the protections against preexisting conditions for, for example, women who are survivors of breast cancer. 

So, let’s not be distracted by his choice of words.  The reality is his actions have been very harmful to women and — and families in America on this issue. 

     Q    Madam Vice President, Donald Trump did a rally —

     Q    Madam Vice President, do you agree with President Obama’s recent suggestion that Black men may be hesitant to vote for you because you’re a woman?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Let me first say that I am very proud to have the support of former President Barack Obama.  And I think that the important point that I will make over and over again is I don’t assume to have the votes of any demographic locked down.  I have to earn their vote, and I am going to work, as I’ve been, to earn that vote and to win on November 5th.

     Q    That particular dynamic —

     Q    Ma’am, there’s been a lot of recent questions about Donald Trump’s –

THE PRESIDENT:   Once again.

     Q    There’s been a lot of recent questions based on an event he did recently.  He played music for about 30 minutes straight.  Just questions about his mental fitness for office at this point.  Do you think Donald Trump needs to take a cognitive test?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, I’m going to say what I have said publicly and will say many times based on my observations and, I think, the observations of many.  Donald Trump is increasingly unstable, and as has been said by the people who have worked closely with him, even when he was president, he’s unfit to be president of the United States.

     Q    Do you support the letter the administration sent Israel threatening legal action over military aid?  Are you —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I —

     Q    Do you su- —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’ve issued my statement about that, yeah.

     Q    Are you — are you supporting calling off military aid if the situation in Gaza does not improve?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I don’t believe that’s what the letter said.

     Q    Or what kind of legal action do you support?

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We’ll take it one step at a time if necessary. 

     Q    Are you —

     Q    Madam Vice President, the Chinese military has been doing drills around Taiwan, and Xi Jinping visited the province across from Taiwan.  It’s raising pressure, obviously, on Taiwan. 

What is your position were there to be an invasion of Taiwan by the Chinese military under — if you were president at the time?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, let me restate the point I’ve made many times.  I believe in the One China policy, and I believe that there — and that Taiwan has an — a right to defend itself.

     Q    Would the American —

     Q    As a Calif- —

     Q    Would the American government provide arms for the Taiwanese —

     Q    As a California voter, how will you vote on the “Get Tough on Crime” Measure 36 — Proposition 36?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I have not voted yet, and I’ve actually not read it yet.  But I’ll let you know. 

     Thank you.

                        END                12:30 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris Before Air Force Two Departure | Detroit, MI appeared first on The White House.

Cred Cafe
Detroit, Michigan

6:36 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Aw.  Well, let me thank Tommy — that’s my T-shirt?  (Applause.)  “Detroit vs. Everybody,” I’m with that.  (Applause.)  All right.  

I want to thank everybody so very much.  Tommy (inaudible), thank you for also this incredible — I — I just love this saying: “Detroit vs. Everybody.”  Because, you know, I — I was sharing with some folks, when I got to Howard, when I went to college, coming from Oakland — and my immediate, fast friends were from Detroit.  (Laughter.)  So, before I even knew anything, I knew about that Cass Tech, I knew about — (applause).

And I just feel a kindred spirit whenever I come to Detroit.  But to have the support and the hard work of all the leaders who are here means so much.  And I just — I thank you.  I thank you. 

Look, we have 21 days until this election.  (Applause.)  We will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  But — thank you both.  It — it’s going to be hard work, though.  It’s a tight race. 

But here’s the thing that I know about everybody that’s here: We like hard work.  Hard work is good work.  Hard work is good work.  And there is so much at stake. 

I just finished doing Charlamagne’s show.  And, you know, we talked about a lot of issues, but there’s so much about this election — and, by the way, early voting, everybody knows, it starts in four days in here Michigan, and Detroit is going to help deliver Michigan, by the way.  (Applause.)  And Michigan is going to help us win.  (Applause.)

There is so much about this election and what is in front of us with this election that really is about two different paths and two different visions.  And ours really is about the future, and the other side really is about trying to take us backward. 

And — and what I want to say about the slogan “Detroit vs. Everybody,” about the heart and soul that I know about Detroit: This is a town of people who have grit, who have determination, and who have optimism and ambition and apply to that a lot of hard work, which makes Detroit a first-class city in the United States of America now and always has.  (Applause.)

And so, I am honored to be with everybody and to work with you with what we need to do over these next days.  And, yes, it includes supporting our entrepreneurs. 

You know, I was talking to Charlamagne about it.  I think you guys had a viewing thing here, right?

     AUDIENCE:  Yes!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, you know, a part of my — my feeling about it is that, look, we are a nation of people who have ambition, who have aspirations, who have dreams.  And — and we need to tap into that, knowing that not everybody necessarily has the opportunity to actually achieve their goals but not for lack of innovation and ideas and hard work and grit. 

So, a lot of my vision for what we need to do as we move forward as a new generation of leadership for America is about making sure that people have access to opportunity, which is why a big part of my plan is to build what I call an “opportunity economy,” which includes, for homeownership, giving people who are first-time homeowners a $25,000 down — down payment assistance to be able to buy their first home; which is why I know when I look at the tax code, a $5,000 deduction for startup companies, for small businesses is not enough for anybody to start up a small business in 2024, and I’m extending it to $50,000 to give people that opportunity, which is why I know in building an opportunity economy for young parents what we don’t lack for families and individuals who have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to do it. 

So, I will extend the Child Tax Credit to $6,000 — (the vice president is handed a new handheld microphone to replace a malfunctioning microphone) — and get a new mic in the process — (laughter and applause) — thank you — to be able — $6,000 Child Tax Credit, which for the first year of that child’s life helps that young family buy a car seat, a crib — things for that child that get them on the path to where we know they will succeed. 

And, you know, it’s interesting because — because when we talked on the show just now, he — we talked about the fact that — you know, I — I think about the economy in a way that is about uplifting people, but it is not to the exclusion of also knowing what strengthens America’s economy overall.

So, when I talk about extending the Child Tax Credit, giving people down payment assistance for the first-time homebuyers, helping our small businesses start up a small business and grow —

When I think about these things, it is, yes, thinking about individuals who just need the opportunity, but also it’s about growing America’s economy overall, which is why I am clear and the best economists in our country are clear that my plan, compared to Donald Trump’s, will strengthen our economy.  His will weaken it.  My plan will strengthen our economy.  He’s — his will exasperate inflation.  His will invite a recession by the middle of next year. 

So, where we stand in this election is about focusing on the future of our nation, but it’s also about building up the strength of our nation. 

And so, I’ll end with this.  This is going to be a hard race.  We are going to win.  And part of the way we are going to win is, over these next 21 days, doing the work that you all are committed to doing, which is why you have taken the time out of your busy lives to be here this afternoon.  We’re going to do the work.

     AUDIENCE:  Yes!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s about knocking on doors and calling people and emailing and reminding them of the power that the people possess to determine the future of our country. 

Ours is a campaign that is about fuel from the power of the people and about building community and building coalitions and, in the process, building up our country to maximize our strength and our potential. 

And I thank everybody here for your — for your hope, for your prayers, for your support, for your hard work.  And I look forward to seeing you out in all of these beautiful neighborhoods that are Detroit as we do the work of bringing home a victory.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)

                             END                6:43 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris During an “iHeartRadio” Watch Party | Detroit, MI appeared first on The White House.

Sheet Metal Workers International Association
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

6:44 P.M. EDT
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Philadelphia!  (Applause.) 
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello.  (Applause.)
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Look, folks, you know, I represented Delaware, but I wouldn’t have gotten elected without Philadelphia, and that’s the truth.  (Applause.)
 
Thanks to Bryan Bush and the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 for hosting us tonight and — and along with the leaders and members of other labor unions across the country.
 
Folks — and I want to thank my good friend Bobby Brady.  You know — (applause) — if you’re ever in a foxhole and you’re looking for help, you want him next to you, man.  (Applause.) 
 
You know, you’ve got great leadership in this state: Governor Shapiro, who I talk to all the time, and Lieutenant Governor — two of the best in the nation.  (Applause.)  You’ve got two of the best U.S. senators in Bobby Casey, from my hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania — (applause) — and John Fetterman, who is doing a tremendous job.  (Applause.)  He does better in short pants than most people do in long pants.  (Laughter.)  You have an incredible, historic mayor in Cherelle Parker.  Madam Mayor, thank you.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, we’re in the homestretch.  Let me ask you: Are you going to reelect Bob Casey to the U.S. Senate? 
 
AUDIENCE:  Yes!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Are you going to elect Erin McClelland state treasurer? 
 
AUDIENCE:  Yes!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Are you going to elect Eugene — hey, where — is Eugene here? 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Debate.  He’s on the debate. 
 
THE PRESIDENT:  He’s in a debate.  Well, I tell you what, you better elect him attorney general.  (Applause.)
 
Are you going to elect my buddy Malcolm Kenyatta as the auditor general?  (Applause.)
 
And most importantly, let me ask you: Are you going to elect Kamala Harris president of the United States of America?  (Applause.) 
 
Well, folks, look, four years ago, I picked Kamala to be my vice president.  I picked her because she is smart and tough.  She was a first-rate district attorney in — out in California, an attorney general, and then U.S. senator.  But most of all, I picked her because she has character and she has integrity.  (Applause.)  Incredi- —
 
And I must admit, I picked her because she had one endorsement that mattered most to me.  My son Beau Biden was the attorney general of the state of Delaware, and I give you my word, when — before he left to — headed off to Iraq for a year, he said, “Dad, I met the next generation, man.”  He worked with her.  He worked with Kamala.  I’m no- — I’m not joking.  As attorney generals, they worked together to take on the big corporations. 
 
And, folks, he spent the next year stationed in Iraq with those God-awful burn pits the size of football field and 10-feet deep, incredible — used to incinerate everything from wastes of war to chemicals, tires — just like up in 9/11, all those firemen.  Smoke thick with poison spread through the air and the lungs of our troops. 
 
And Beau, like many others, shortly after he got home, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which is a death sentence.  He lasted for a wh- —
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, man.   
 
He lasted for a long while. 
 
But Beau was the attorney general of Delaware at the same time she was the attorney general of California.  As I said, he told me — he told me, “Dad, she’s an extraordinary leader.  She’s the next generation.  Take a look at her, Dad.”  And she’s been that and more to me.  (Applause.)
 
 I’m one of the few people in American history who has been vice president and president, and I know both jobs — what they take.  And I can tell you, Kamala Harris has been a great vice president.  She’ll be a great president as well. (Applause.) 
 
When I decided it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, I knew — I knew who I wanted to replace me.  I endorsed Kamala immediately.  And if you’ve seen the campaign Kamala has run, it proves I’m right.  The enthusiasm went off the charts.  Her convention was great.  (Applause.)
 
She beat Trump so badly in the debate he’s scared to death to beat her again.  (Applause.)  That’s a fact.  Tough guy, right?  Tough guy.  Because he knows he’d lose again.  That’s a fact.  He is a loser.
 
Look, now I’m proud of our record the past four years.  Maybe you saw Rachel Maddow last night, who did a whole lot of — raised a lot of questions.  If you’re making business decisions about who’s doing a better job on the economy, she said, “The Biden-Harris economy has been — not only left every other rich country in the world in the dust, it’s left the Trump administration in the dust.”
 
Well, folks, that wasn’t hard to leave him in the dust.  (Laughter.)  I think he lives in the dust. 
 
We created 16 million jobs, more jobs than have been created in a single term in all of American history.  (Applause.)  More people are working today than ever before.  Wages for working people are higher than they have ever been before.  And more people have health care insurance than before. 
 
And what does Trump want to do if he wins?  He wants to use his favorite word: “terminate.”  No, I’m serious.  This guy means what he says, man.  He wants to terminate the Affordable Care Act.  He’s been trying to succeed, and he failed every time.
 
If he does, though, 40 million Americans will lose their health care — 40 million.  And 100 million will lose their protections because they have preexisting conditions. 
 
Trump likes to call himself “pro-business.”  We all know Trump is a failed businessman.  He inherited $100 million, and he got bankrupt — how many times?  I can’t keep track — including bankrupting a casino in Atlantic City, which is pretty hard to do.  (Laughter.)  How’s that possible?  I thought the house always won.  (Laughter.) 
 
Trump wasn’t only a loser in 2020, he’s a loser in everything he does. 
 
Meanwhile, on our watch, businesses of all sizes are surging.  A record number of small-business applications — 19 million so far since we’ve gotten elected — and every single application is an act of hope.  (Applause.) 
 
Folks, remember when Trump got elected — if he got elected, the stock — he told — if I got elected, the stock market would crash?  I just wish to hell I — I was — I was listed for 36 years as the poorest man in Congress, so I didn’t have any stock.  But any rate — (laughter).
 
But if he means the stock market crashed through record highs, he was actually right.  It’s the highest it’s ever been in American history.  And, by the way, it must be irritating to a guy to turn to Fox News and hear the Biden-Harris stock market is stronger than ever in history.  (Applause.) 
 
Look, folks, unemployment is at historic lows for everyone, including Blacks and Latinos.  We have the smallest racial gap — wealth gap in 20 years. 
 
Wages have grown faster than inflation for more than a year now.  Inflation is down to 2.4 percent.  In fact, it’s now back to pre-pandemic levels, and it’s still going down — not up, down.  (Applause.)  Along with it, interest rates are beginning to drop. 
 
The data shows the benefits of economic recovery are benefitting working- and middle-class folks more than the top.  New data from the National Labor Relations Board shows the number of workers filing for union representation has doubled since I became president — doubled.  (Applause.)
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  You got it, man.
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, I —
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  My grandfather would roll over in his grave if I wasn’t — he’d say, “Joey” — from Scranton — he’d say, “Joey, you’re union from belt buckle to shoe sole.”  He said it a little more colorfully than that.  (Laughter.)
 
The Biden-Harris administration is the first administration in five decades to increase union petitions.  (Applause.)  It’s simple.  They know, you know, Kamala and I know: Wall Street didn’t build America.  The middle class did, and unions built the middle class.  And that’s a fact.  (Applause.)
 
And I make no apologies for being the most pro-union president in American history.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, I mean it.  Under our administration, we’ve made the most significant investment in public safety in history: $15 billion to law enforcement through the American Rescue Plan.  And not a single Republican voted for it.  The result?  Violent crime is down to a 50-year low.  (Applause.)  The murder rate is at the largest ever re- — reduction. 
 
And Trump’s response?  Lie after lie that somehow the stats are fake.  He says they’re making up the numbers.
 
Not only that, for weeks, Kamala and I negotiated the strongest bipartisan border deal in American history.  One of the most conservative senators from Oklahoma and a progressive Democrat from Connecticut worked four weeks on it, got it passed, introduced it in the Congress.  What happened?
 
We funded more agents, judges, high-tech machinery, and all the like.  But Trump knew it was a good deal, so he called for it — he called — he got on the phone and started calling Republicans to say, quote, “You can’t vote for this because it will help Biden and hurt me.”
 
He’s a great American, isn’t he?
 
So, Trump and the Republicans killed the deal.  But Kamala and I didn’t stop.  We surged resources and increased enforcement.  We took executive action.  We worked with Mexico. 
 
And despite what all Trump’s friends say, there are fewer border crossings today than the day he left office — right now.  (Applause.)
 
But let me say it again.  There are fewer people coming into this country illegally as I stand right now than the day he left office.  And we’re going to —
 
And, look, I got to say and Kamala will say: She’s going to do more for comprehensive reform.  That’s one of the main things that got to get done.
 
So, let’s set the record straight.  More people are working today in America than any time since Trump left office.  That’s just a fact. 
 
More people have health insurance than when Trump was president.  More people are earning higher wages.  The stock market is even higher.  (Applause.)
 
401(k)s are stronger.  Violent crime is down.  Murder is down.  And fewer people are crossing the border. 
 
And Trump calls that a hellscape?  Talks about America being a failed nation.  Where the hell is he from?  (Laughter.)
 
No, I’m serious.  Think about it.  A president calling America a “failed nation.”  It makes me angry.
 
I say America is winning.  (Applause.)  We’re the most powerful nation in the world, the most respected nation in the world, and every other country in the world would like to be like —
 
Trump says we’re losers, but the only loser I know is Donald Trump.  (Applause.)
 
Look, don’t get me wrong.  There’s more work to be done.  Kamala and I have specific plans to bring down the cost of housing, childcare, eldercare, and more.  How we solve these challenges is going to — will help make the next president — who is president.  Every president has to cut their own path. 
 
That’s what I did.  I was loyal to Barack Obama, but I cut my own path as president.  And that’s what Kamala is going to do.  She’ll be — she’s been loyal so far, but she’s going to cut her own path — (applause) — how to further economic growth, how to keep making it easier to start and grow a business, how to make a border more secure, how to make health care even more affordable, how to make housing more affordable, how to make childcare and eldercare more affordable — all of which, if we do, actually grows the economy and cuts the deficit.  (Applause.) 
 
Folks, Kamala will take the country in her own direction.  And that’s one of the most important differences in this election.  Kamala’s perspective on our problems will be fresh and new.  Donald Trump’s perspective is old and failed and, quite frankly, thoroughly, totally dishonest. 
 
Look, what is — what’s his idea for our economy?  He says he wants to give another tax cut — a $5 trillion tax — that’s not a joke — a $5 trillion tax cut for the wealthy.  Last time he did a $2 trillion tax cut and set the biggest debt — increased the national debt more than any other president has in any single term. 
 
And, by the way, to pay your ta- — his taxes to the wealthy, he wants to cut Social Security and Medicare.
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No- — not a joke.  Not a joke.
 
In addition to t- — in addition to terminating the Affordable Care Act, he wants to repeal what we did to lower prescription drug costs.  He wants to bow down to Big Pharma again. 
 
Kamala and I finally beat Big Pharma — (applause) — and we gave Medicare the — Medipare —  Medicare the power to negotiate presiction drugs — prescription drugs, like the FA does for veterans — look — the VA.
 
And seniors with disabilities are now paying $35 a month instead of $400.  (Applause.)  And starting in January, all the seniors on Medicare will have a total prescription drug cost capped at $2,000 a year, no matter how much they have to spend.  (Applause.) 
 
Cancer drugs — (coughs) — excuse me.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We’re not going back!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  We ain’t going back.
 
AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  And, by the way, our Medicare reforms not only save seniors on Medicare money.  Do you know how much they — know how much they save the taxpayers?  $160 billion, that one passage.  (Applause.)  Why?  Because Medicare is paying $35 instead of $400, for example.
 
Trump wants to take all that away.  But Kamala wants to expand everything so it — gets for everybody in the nation.
 
Look, she wants to cover the elder under Medicaid. 
 
Trump would get rid of the $369 billion Kamala and I passed — the most ever in the history of the world — to deal with climate change. 
 
And, by the way, no climate change out there, right?  (Laughter.)  I just spent a week — from Florida to North Carolina.  It’s devasting.  You know why?  Because the ocean water is warming, increasing significantly the threats of significant weather. 
 
How does it make you feel, after the latest hurricane that have ripped through the country, knowing that we’re going to cut back on —
 
And I — just, look, Trump wants a new sales tax — a new sales tax on goods we — go- — go- — excuse me — on goods we import in sig- — in significant numbers.  Up to 85 percent of all the seafood we eat is imported, 60 percent of the fresh fruit, 40 percent of the vegetables.  We import coffee, clothing, and so much more.  And according to all the economists, if his sales tax were to, in fact, pass, the average family would have an increase in their cost of $400 a year — or $4,000 a year — excuse me — $4,000.
 
And, look, it’s a surprise that we got a guy who can’t afford to say the word “union” wants to get overtime on hardworking folks taken away. 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He’s a scab!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, no.  He’s doing it again.  That’s what he says.  He said — he and his allies say they support workers and the middle class.   Give me a break. 
 
Look, this is from the same guy who calls himself a great protector of women. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  (The president makes the sign of the cross.)  Come on. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Fire Trump again!  Fire Trump again!  Fire Trump again!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  And, folks, look, this is the same guy who has been held liable for $83 million for sexual abuse and mu- — and defamation.  Same guy, for getting rid of Roe v. Wade.  The same guy who has three other major cases waiting for him when he loses. 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thirty-four felonies!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  And, by the way, 34 felonies.  And so far, he hadn’t gotten sentenced.  He got the sentence kicked back, but I want to watch that sentence.  (Laughter.)  
 
Look, Donald Trump is not running for you; he’s running for himself.  I think he’s running to stay out of jail. 
 
What’s he got left?  Trump’s whole came down — come down to demonizing immigrants, calling immigrants “animals,” saying they don’t have “good genes,” saying they poison the blood of our country.  It’s sick. 
 
You know, it’s designed to prey on our worst fears.  It’s un-American.  Think about it. 
 
Trump hides all his racism — or used to.  But now it’s just out front.  He has the same ideas on race as the 1930s.  Trump’s ideas on the economy are from the ‘20s.  Trump’s idea on women are from the ‘50s.  And, folks, this is 2024.  We can’t go back.  (Applause.) 
 
AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!
 
THE PRESIDENT: We’ve made too much progress.  We have to keep moving forward. 
 
And, folks, for all the talk about issues and policies — it’s all important, the real measure of a president is character, integrity, judgment, temperament.  Because here’s what I can tell you: Every president is confronted with crises no one saw coming.  And in that moment, what matters about a president is the president.  Does he have integ- — does she have integrity, a code of honor that they live by?  What belief system guides their decisions?  How do they handle pressure?  How do they respond when things don’t go their way?  Will they uphold their oath and honor the Constitution? 
 
With Donald Trump, we know the answer.  Just ask yourself:  How did Donald Trump handle COVID — the crisis when he saw it coming? 
 
How — we know from Bob Woodward’s book how Trump lacks character and can’t be trusted.  Trump deliberately led the American people to believe that it wasn’t a dangerous thing, COVID.  I remember how he told us to inject bleach.  Remember that?  Bless me, Father.
 
In the middle of the COVID crisis, this guy gave Putin — when it came out recently, he gave Vladimir Putin te- — COVID tests that were desperately needed by Americans and he — at home, and he gave it to Putin.  Trump cares more about kissing up to Putin than he cares about your sons and daughters.  (Applause.) 
 
You know, we lost over a million people in COVID.  Think about how many we could have saved if it wasn’t for his pure incompetence and selfishness. 
 
Think about the 2020 election Trump lost.  Kamala and I beat him by 7 million votes, but Trump couldn’t accept it, despite the rulings of more than 60 courts, including the Supreme Court. 
 
He embraced the Big Lie that threatened the lives of elected officials and poll workers.  He sent violent mobs to the U.S. Capitol on January 6th to stop a peaceful transfer of power. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  He sat in the dining room over by — off of my present office, the Oval Office, and did nothing for three hours as police were being alack — attacked and killed, lawmakers were forced to hide for their lives.
 
According to the report, when Trump saw — told the mob was looking for Mike Pence to hang him, you know what Trump’s response was?  “So what?”
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Let me tell you something.  You can’t be pro-insurrection and pro-American.  If you can’t denounce January 6th, you have no business being president.  (Applause.) 
 
And, look, Trump hasn’t changed.  I would argue he’s gotten worse.  Clearly, he lost the election in 2020.  He snapped.  No, I mean it.  He’s become unhinged.  Look at his rallies.
 
Last night — last night, his rally stopped taking questions because someone got hurt, and guess what?  He stood on the stage for 30 minutes and danced.  (Laughter.)  I’m serious.  What’s wrong with this guy?  (Laughter.) 
 
Listen to him.  How he’s going to — after the institution of democracy, if Trump is elected again, he says he’ll use the Justice Department to attack his political enemies.  He says he’ll fire 500,000 civil servants and replace them with Trump loyalists. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Booo —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  He just said he could use the U.S. military to go after U.S. citizens he disagrees with.  He said it. 
 
He still refuses to accept the results of 2020, and he’s refusing to accept the results of the 2024 election if he loses again. 
 
Look, folks, every generation faces a moment where democracy has to be defended.  This is our moment.  I believe it in — I believe it in my core.  (Applause.) 
 
When we beat Trump in 2020 — when we beat Trump in 2020, we saved American democracy.  Now we have to do it again in 2024.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, let me close with this.  More than anything in this election, we have to decide who we want, what we want America to be.  Who is America? 
 
Kamala will be a president who believes in the America that still stands for the core proposition that stated in this — this nation — started this nation right here in Philly — (applause) — where the Declaration of Independence was signed, where the Constitution was written, and where we determined the power of our institutions of government are determined by the power of the people.  The power based — the very idea of America: We’re all created equal, deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. 
 
We’ve never fully lived up for it, but, unlike Trump, we’ve never walked away from it.  And I’ll be damned if we’ll walk away from it now.  (Applause.)
 
Folks, we got a lot of work to do, especially here in Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia.  (Applause.)  How you go and what you turn out is going to determine the outcome of this election.  (Applause.) 
 
We have to talk to our friends, our families, our neighbors, our coworkers.  We have to beat back the lies with truth.  And most of all, we have to vote and get out the vote.  (Applause.)
 
Philadelphia, are you ready?  (Applause.) 
 
Well, let’s get this done, and let’s remember who we are.  (Applause.)  We’re the United States of America.  (Applause.)  And nothing, nothing is beyond our capacity when we work together.  (Applause.)
 
God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you.  (Applause.)
 
Thank you. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  By the way, I married a Philly girl.  (Applause.)  
 
7:09 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by President Biden at a Political Event | Philadelphia, PA appeared first on The White House.

Erie Insurance Arena
Erie, Pennsylvania

7:45 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, Pennsylvania!  (Applause.)  Can we hear for Karen?  (Applause.)  Wow. 

Hey, everybody.  Hi.  All right.  Oh, it is good to be back in Pennsylvania.  (Applause.) 

Hey, everybody.  All right.  All right.  All right.  Come on.  We got work to do.  We got work to do.  Okay. 

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, sweetheart.  Hi.

Okay, okay, thank you.  Thank you everybody.  Thank you everybody.  (Applause.)

And I want to thank all of the leaders who are here.  Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to be here this evening and for all of us to be together. 

Can we hear for Senator Fetterman — (applause); your next state attorney general Eugene DePasquale — (applause); Mayor Schember — (applause); Bob Casey, who could not be here tonight because he’s out doing what he needs to do to get reelected to the United States Senate.  (Applause.)

All right.  Okay, let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!  (Applause.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Okay, so here’s the thing, Pennsylvania, we got just 22 days until Election Day — 22 days — (applause) — and we are nearing the home stretch. 

But here’s the thing, this is going to be a tight race until the very end.  Okay?  We are the underdog.  We are running like the underdog.  We have some hard work ahead of us.  But here’s the thing also: we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work.  And with your help, in 22 days, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win. 

AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  We will win.

And here’s why — and here’s why, because this election is about two very different visions for our nation.  One, his, focused on the past.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And ours, focused on the future.  (Applause.)

We are focused on issues that matter most to families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs, protecting reproductive freedom — (applause) — and keeping our nation secure. 

But that is not what we hear from Donald Trump.  Instead, it is just the same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people and American families.  He is only focused on himself. 

Well, folks, it’s time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It’s time to turn the page.  Turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward.  (Applause.) 

And America is ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — which is why Democrats, Republicans, independents are supporting our campaign — (applause) — because we need a president who works for all the American people.  (Applause.)  We are all in this together. 

And as you all know, this has been the story of my entire career.  My entire career, I’ve only had one client: the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks, fought to deliver $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  (Applause.) 

I stood up for veterans and students who were being scammed by for-profit colleges — (applause); for workers who were being cheated out of the wages they were due — (applause); for seniors facing elder abuse. 

And it is my pledge to you, as president, I will always fight for all the American people — (applause) — always.  And together — together, we all will build a brighter future for our nation.  (Applause.)  Together, we will build a future where we have what I call an “opportunity economy,” where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed — not just to get by, but to get ahead.  (Applause.)

Under my economic plan — and, by the way, you know, so, dude wants to talk about his plans, which really are about cutting taxes for the richest people.  Please do check out the Wall Street Journal or Goldman Sachs or the 16 Nobel laureates or Moody’s, who have all analyzed the plans and said mine will strengthen the economy, his will make it weaker.  (Applause.)  Okay?

So, under my economic plan, we will bring down the cost of housing — (applause) — and help first-time homebuyers — giving them $25,000 for down payment assistance, so you can just — (applause) — so you can just get your foot in the door.  You’ll do the rest.  You’ll save up.  You’ll work hard.  But just to help people get their foot in the door.  (Applause.)

We will help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses.  How many small-business owners do we have here?  (Applause.)  Right?  I love our small businesses.  I love — you guys know — it’s a part of my story — you know, my mother worked hard.  We grew up — we lived in an apartment above a daycare center, and it was owned —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Woo!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — by our — yes, daycare centers.  Bless you.  (Laughter.)

And it was owned by Ms. Shelton, who we think of and thought of as — as our second mother.  And she was a small-business owner.  And Ms. Shelton, she was like all of you who do this work.  You are business leaders, but you are community leaders.  You are civic leaders.  You mentor.  You hire locally.  I love our small businesses.  Small businesses are part of the backbone of America’s economy.  (Applause.)

So, you all know what I’m talking about.  And as we move forward, what we are going to do in terms of knowing that small businesses must get the support you need to start up and to grow. 

We will expand, under my economic policy, Medicare to cover home health care for seniors — (applause) — so more seniors can live at home with dignity.  And like so many of my priorities, it is born out of a personal experience. 

Look, when my mother got diagnosed with cancer, I took care of her.  And for any of you who have taken care of someone — a senior, in particular — you know what that’s like, and it’s about trying to cook something for them that they might enjoy eating.  It’s about trying to make sure that they have something that they can wear that won’t irritate their skin, right?  It’s about trying to, from time to time, find a way to just bring a smile to their face or make them laugh.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity.  (Applause.)

But far too many people who want and need to take care of family members, either you have to leave your job or spend down everything you have to be able to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s not right. 

I look at the sandwich generation.  So, we — we refer to folks who are raising young children and taking care of your parents, “the sandwich generation.”  You’re right in between balancing all of that.  It’s a lot of pressure, and you need and deserve to have the support to be able to handle all of that in a way that we know you are adding so much to our community, societies, and our economies. 

So, I have a plan, and my plan is to make sure Medicare — not so you have to pay down everything and get on Medicaid — so that Medicare helps pay for home health care — (applause) — so you can do the work you need to get done in terms of the seniors in your life. 

Under our plan, we will lower the cost on everything from health care to groceries. 

Look, I’m going to take on corporate price gouging, just like I’ve done before.  I’m going to do it again.  (Applause.)

And give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life — (applause) — knowing, again, the vast majority of parents want to parent their children well, but don’t always have the resources to do it.  And so, by expanding the Child Tax Credit that helps a young family buy a car seat, buy a crib, do the things in that so fundamental stage of their child’s development just to get them on the road to what they desire and want to do.  And we all benefit from it.  We all benefit from it.  (Applause.)

So, all of this is to say I will always put the middle class and working families first.  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)  Never forget where I come from.  Never. 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So — so I just outlined for you a little bit — a little bit about my plan.  Now let’s talk about Donald Trump.  Well —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He — he had — he has a very different plan.  Take, for example, Project 2025.  Just google it. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  It is a detailed and dangerous plan for what he will do if he is elected president. 

You know, you all probably heard me say Donald Trump — I think in our collective opinion, certainly mine — is — is an unserious man.  (Laughter.)  But the consequences of him ever being president again are brutally serious — brutally serious. 

So, on Project 2025 and his plan, Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, like he’s done before, cut —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — cut Social Security and Medicare.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The plan on that end is to get rid of the $35 cap on insulin for seniors —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — to make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You g- — you got to read the plan. 

I mean, the fact they put it in writing is a whole other thing to be discussed.  (Laughter.) 

And he plans to impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” a 20 percent tax on everyday necessities, which economists have measured will cost the average American family more than $4,000 a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to get rid of the Affordable Care Act —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and he has no plan to replace it.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Concepts!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  You guys watched the debate.  (Laughs.)  Right.  He has, quote, “concepts of a plan.”  “Concepts.”

But seriously, think about it — in all seriousness, he’s going to then threaten health insurance coverage for 45 million people based on a concept?  (Laughter.)  The seriousness of this cannot be overlooked.  Think about that — taking us back to a time we all remember when insurance companies could deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was?

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, we are not going back.  We are not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We are not going back.  No.  We —

And why are we not going back?  Because we will move forward — (applause) — because ours is a fight for the future.

And it is a fight for freedom, like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do.  (Applause.)

And we all remember how we got here.  Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, and they did. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And now — now, in America, one in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban.  Think about that.  Many of these bans have no exceptions, even for rape and incest, which is saying to a survivor of a crime of a violation to their body that you have no right to make a decision about what happens to your body next.  That’s immoral.  That’s immoral.

And let us agree: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do — not the government.  (Applause.)  No.  No. 

If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her rabbi, her pastor, her imam, but not the government telling her what to do.  Not a bunch of folks up at a state capitol telling her what to do, as though she doesn’t know what’s in her own best interest and they know better.  Come on. 

And it is my pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to restore the protections and reproductive freedom nationwide, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  Proudly sign it into law.  Yes, I will.  Yes, I will. 

So much is on the line in this election. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Love you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So much is on — I love you back.  (Applause.)  And listen, so much — so much is on the line in this election. 

And we have to remember, this is not 2016 or 2020; the stakes are even higher, because a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court just told the former president that he would be essentially immune —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — from anything he does while he’s in office. 

Now, just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails, right?

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He — he who has vowed, if reelected, that he will be a dictator on day one.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies.  He who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well — well — well —

AUDIENCE:  Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on. 

Because see, here’s the thing, the courts will handle that.  Let’s handle November, shall we?  (Applause.)  We’ll handle November.  We’ll handle November. 

And we are clear.  Look, anybody who says they would terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again.  Never again.

And so, after all these years, we know who Donald Trump is.  He is someone who will stop at nothing to claim power for himself.

And you don’t have to take my word for it.  I’ve said for a while now: Watch his rallies, listen to his words.  He tells us who he is, and he tells us what he would do if he is elected president.  So, here tonight, I will show you one example of Donald Trump’s worldview and intentions.

Please roll the clip.

(A video is played.)

AUDIENCE:  Booo — 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So — so, you heard him — so, you heard his words.  You heard his words coming from him.  He’s talking about the enemy within Pennsylvania.  He’s talking about the enemy within our country, Pennsylvania.  He’s talking about that he considers anyone who doesn’t support him or who will not bend to his will an enemy of our country. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  It’s a serious issue.  He’s saying — he is saying that he would use the military to go after them.  Think about this. 

And — and we know who he would target.  And we know he — who he would target because he has attacked them before: journalists whose stories he doesn’t like, election officials who refuse to cheat by filling extra votes and finding extra votes for him, judges who insist on following the law instead of bending to his will. 

This is among the reasons I believe so strongly that a second Trump term would be a huge risk for America and dangerous.  (Applause.) 

Donald Trump — Donald Trump is increasingly unstable and unhinged — (applause) — and he is out for unchecked power.  That’s what he’s looking for.  He wants to send the military after American citizens.  He — he has worked to prevent women from making their own health care decisions and threatened your fundamental freedoms and rights like the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water, the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So, here in Pennsylvania, I say to those who know best: When freedom is on the line, Americans always answer the call.  We always answer the call.  (Applause.)

And in this election —

AUDIENCE:  Vote!  Vote!  Vote!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Vote.  Vote. 

And so, to your point, in this election, we will answer the call again, because it all comes down to this.  We are all here together because we know what’s at stake, and we are here together because we love our country.  We love our country.  We love our country.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.  We love our country.  And — and I do believe one of the highest forms of patriotim — patriotism that there is — one of the highest forms of patriotism is to fight for the ideals of our country.  (Applause.)  That is borne out of love of country to fight to realize the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 22 days — 22 days.  And here in Pennsylvania, early voting has already started.  (Applause.)  Yep.  And, Erie County, you are a pivot county.  (Applause.)  How you all vote —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — and thank you, because how you all vote in presidential elections often ends up predicting the national result.  (Applause.)  Yeah.  Yes. 

AUDIENCE:  Erie!  Erie!  Erie!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The chant is “Erie.”  “Erie.”  (Laughs.)  That’s right. 

And so, in Erie County, you can vote early in person at the Erie County Voter Registration Office — (applause) — from now until Tuesday, October 29th.  And so, now is the time to make your plan to vote. 

And if you have already received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it today or tomorrow, but please get it out. 

And remember the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania is Monday, October 21st.  So, if you or anyone you know has not yet registered, now is the time because, look, the election is here and we need to organize.  We need to mobilize.  We need to energize folks.  And we need to remind everybody that their vote is their voice, and your voice is your power.  (Applause.)

So, Erie, I ask you, then, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win. 

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

                        END                8:13 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Erie, PA appeared first on The White House.

East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

4:39 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  North Carolina!  Good afternoon, North Carolina!  (Applause.)  Oh, my goodness.

Can we hear for Thomas?  (Applause.)

Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  It is good to be at E.C.U.  (Applause.)  And it’s so wonderful to be back in North Carolina.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  It is so good — I see you. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  North Carolina loves you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you.

And I want to thank — there — this is — this is an auditorium packed with incredible leaders.  And I thank you all for taking the time this Sunday afternoon with all that you have going on.  (Applause.)  I thank you.  I thank you.  Thank you all. 

I want to also thank State Senator Smith; State Senator Hunt, your next lieutenant governor — (applause); Congressman Davis, a proud graduate of ECU.  (Applause.)  And let’s elect Josh Stein as your next governor.  (Applause.) 

And he and Governor Cooper are not here today because they are s- — they’ve been working around the clock dealing with the hurricane recovery efforts.  (Applause.)  And we want to always thank them and all the — the incredible local, state, and federal leaders who have been working together for North Carolina. 

I was here eight days ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  And since then, of course, another powerful storm — Hurricane Milton — cut a path of destruction through Florida.  And our hearts — I know, all of us — and our prayers go out to everyone who’s been impacted by these storms.  (Applause.)

I have spoken to both state and local officials, both Republican and Democrat, to let them know we will be with you every step of the way as you recover — (applause) — because in times like this, we stand together as one nation.  That is who we are.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina — (applause) — we have 23 days until Election Day.  And we are nearing the homestretch.  We are nearing the homestretch.

Now, listen, let me just say, I know we are really excited to see each other.  I couldn’t be more excited to see everybody here, but I’m going to tell you: It’s going to be a tight race until the very end, and we are running as the underdog. 

So, we have some hard work ahead of us, but we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work. 

And with your help, in 23 days, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Yes, we will.  We will win. 

So, what we know —

AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  And here’s why — and here’s why.  One of the reasons is that — we all know and we are gathered here together because we know this election really is about two very different visions for our nation.  One, his, focused on the past.  The other, ours, focused on the future.  (Applause.)

Ours is a campaign focused on issues that matter, for example, to working families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs.  (Applause.)  How many small-business owners do we have here?  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

We are focused on protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  We are focused on keeping our nation secure.  (Applause.) 

But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Instead — instead, from him, we are just hearing from that same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people.  He is only focused on himself. 

And he’s not — but here’s the thing, North Carolina — and he’s not being transparent with the voters.  He’s not being transparent. 

So, check this out.  He refuses to release his medical records. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’ve done it.  Every other presidential can- — every other presidential candidate in modern era has done it. 

He is unwilling to do a “60 Minutes” interview, like every other major party candidate has done for more than half a century. 

He is unwilling to meet for a second debate. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  It makes you wonder.  It makes you wonder: Why does his staff want him to hide away? 

One must question — one must question: Are they afraid that people will see that he is too weak and unstable to lead America?  (Applause.)  Is that what’s going on?

So, folks, for these reasons and so many more, it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It is time to turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward, ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — which is why Democrats, independents, and Republicans are supporting our campaign — (applause) — because they and we know we need a president who works for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And that has been the story of my entire career.  I have only ever had one client: the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  (Applause.)  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks and delivered $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  (Applause.)  I stood up for veterans and students being scammed by the big for-profit colleges.  (Applause.)  I stood up for workers being cheated out of the wages they were due, stood up for seniors facing elder abuse. 

And as president, it is my pledge to you that I will always fight for all the American people.  (Applause.) 

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation, and that future includes building what I call an opportunity economy, where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed. 

Under my economic plan, we will bring down the cost of housing and help first-time homebuyers with a $25,000 down payment assistance.  (Applause.)  We will expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors — (applause) — so more seniors can live at home with dignity; and give more support to the sandwich generation, to those of you who are raising young children and taking care of your parents.  (Applause.)

And, look, I just have to say something about home health care and the need that I know so many people have for help.  Look, so, when my mother was sick, after she had been diagnosed with cancer, I took care of her.  And for those of you who have taken care of somebody who needs that kind of help, it’s about trying to cook something that they have a taste for and want to eat.  It’s about trying to find something that they can wear that — that is not irritating their skin and is soft enough.  It’s about trying, from time to time, to figure out something you can do to just bring a smile to their face or make them laugh, right? 

It’s the work that is about giving folks dignity.  But far too many people — on this issue of home health care — if you need the support to give that care to your family member, it means either paying down and losing as much as you can to be able to afford to have Medicaid or having to leave your job, which means cutting off a very important part of your income, just to give people in your life the dignity and the support they deserve.

That’s why I’m saying we’re going to have Medicare cover that home health care — (applause) — to help you — to help you. 

We will lower costs, including on everything from health care to groceries.  I will take on corporate price gouging.  I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.  (Applause.)

I will give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life, knowing that the vast majority of parents have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to be able to do it.  And so, extending the Child Tax Credit to $6,000 to give folks the ability to be able to buy that car seat or that crib in that most fundamental phase of their child’s development. 

So, all this to say, I will always put the middle class and working people first.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)

Now, Donald Trump, well, he has a different plan.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just Google “Project 2025.”  It is a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president. 

Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, cut Social Security and Medicare, make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would get rid of that $35 cap on insulin for seniors. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” a 20 percent tax on everyday basic necessities which will cost the average American family $4,000 more a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on — on top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he has no plan to replace it. 

Did you see the debate?  He has “concepts of a plan.”  (Applause.)

So — okay, so he’s going to threaten the health insurance coverage of 45 million people based on a concept — come on — and take us back to when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions?  You know where I’m going. 

Well, we are not going back!  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  No, we’re not.  No, we’re not. 

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, we’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because we will move forward.  (Applause.)

Ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom, like the fundamental freedom of a woman to be able to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do.  (Applause.)

Because we know Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, more than one in three women in America lives in a state with the Trump abortion ban, including right here in North Carolina. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Many of these bans have no exceptions even for rape and incest, which is immoral.  To tell a survivor of a violation to their body that they have no right to make a decision about what happens to their body next?  That’s immoral.

And let us agree — let us agree: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree it shouldn’t be the government telling her what to do — (applause) — not the government.  If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government telling her what to do. 

And when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law — (applause) — proudly.

And North Carolina, across our nation — I’m telling you, I’m traveling — we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms and rights, like the freedom to vote — (applause); the freedom to be safe from gun violence — (applause); the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election.  And this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president that he would effectively be immune from whatever he does in office.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  But let’s think about that.  You know, you all have heard me say: I do believe Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the effects of him being back in the White House would be brutally serious. 

Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  He who has vowed, if reelected, he would be a dictator on day one; that he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies.  He has called for the, quote, “termination” —

AUDIENCE:  Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, wait.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.

AUDIENCE:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hold on, because here’s the thing — here’s the thing.  Let’s let the courts handle that, and let’s handle November.  (Applause.)  We’ll handle November.  How about that?  (Laughs.)

Because, listen, here’s why — this is what we know.  Anybody who wants to be president of the United States who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States should never again have the ability to stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again. 

And the people who know him best know it.  His former national security adviser, two of his former Defense secretaries, his former chief of staff in the White House, his own vice president have all warned America: Donald Trump is unfit to serve.  (Applause.)

Or just listen most recently to what we heard General Milley said.  General Milley, chairm- — former chairman of the Joint Chiefs under Donald Trump.  It was just reported he said, quote, “No one has ever been as dangerous to this country,” in referring to Donald Trump.  Think about that.  Think about that.

And we can already see the harm he’s up to as a candidate.  Most recently, spreading disinformation in the wake of natural disasters, blocking real solutions that would stop drug cartels from crossing the border when he tried to kill — and did — that border security deal.

Because, you see, Donald Trump cares more about scaring people, creating fear, running on a problem, instead of what real leaders do, which is to participate in fixing problems.  (Applause.) 

Well, I care about fixing problems, and as president of the United States, I will be focused each and every day on solving problems that affect you and your family.  (Applause.)

So, North Carolina, it all comes down to this.  We — we are here together this Sunday afternoon because we know what is at stake.  We are here together this Sunday afternoon because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yes, that’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.  That’s right.

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We love our country.  And I do believe it is one of the highest forms of patriotism to then fight for the ideals of our country and to fight to realize the promise of America — the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 23 days.  And in just four days, early voting will begin statewide.  (Applause.)  Starting Thursday, you can go to the polls and cast your ballot.  (Applause.) If you haven’t already registered to vote, you could do it right then and there: register to vote and vote. 

And so, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  And if you’ve not received your ballot in the mail, look for it, because if you have, I would like you to fill it out right away.  (Laughter.)  Please don’t wait, because, to my friends, I say, look, the election is here.  The election is here. 

And remember always that your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power — (applause) — is your power. 

And so, North Carolina, today I then ask you: Are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in the promise of America?   (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

God bless you all.  God bless you.  (Applause.)

END                 5:03 P.M. EDT

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Koinonia Christian Center
Greenville, North Carolina

12:35 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, church.  Good afternoon.

Oh, please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  (Laughter.) 

Bishop O’neal, I thank you so very much.  We — we’ve had some time to visit before we came out into the sanctuary, and I just thank you for the leadership that you have provided for so long. 

You know, in times of crisis, and — and we’re looking at the images of the aftermath of the hurricane.  But it — it is easy in these moments of crisis to — to question our faith, to sometimes lose our faith for a moment, because what we see is so hard to see that we lose faith or a vision of those things we cannot see but must know.  (Applause.)

And you are such a leader in all of those ways, and I thank you.  (Applause.)  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  I’m honored to be with you.  Thank you.

 And, KCC family, thank you for welcoming me today.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Thank you.  And thank you for the opportunity to allow me to worship with you.  It does my heart and soul good. 

So, scripture teaches, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  (Applause.)

So, I first encountered the words of Galatians as a young girl at 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California, which is where I sang in the children’s choir and first learned the teachings of the Bible.  My earliest memories of those teachings are about a loving God, a God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to defend the rights of the poor and the needy. 

And so, at an early age, I learned that faith is a verb.  It is something we show in action and in service.  And we show it by heeding the words of my pastor, who Bishop spoke with yesterday, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown, who often invokes the words that we all know: One must do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 

That truth is important at all times and especially in moments of difficulty and disaster, especially in moments like this, as we navigate storms that have inflicted so much harm across our country.

And to all those who have loved ones who have been affected by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Doug and I, my husband, are holding of you close in our hearts and in our prayers.  And we are thinking of everyone who has been affected by these storms. 

Now, I know Helene’s impact was further west, but I also know that the people of Greenville, like all Americans, have been inspired by the way communities are coming together, Bishop, in the wake of these storms.  Amid ruined homes, downed power lines, swollen rivers that have been choked with debris, we have seen — we have seen children rescued by neighbors in a kayak; we have seen those who have lost everything gathering donations for others. 

You know, it’s been my experience to see that in a moment of crisis, isn’t it something when you know that, often, it is the people who have the least, give the most?  (Applause.)  Right?

Moments of crisis, I believe, do have a way of revealing the heroes among us, the angels among us, and of showing us all the best of who we are.  And these hurricanes have revealed heroes around all of us, heroes who do not ask the injured or stranded whether they are a Republican or a Democrat — (applause) — but who simply ask, “Are you okay?”; who ask, “What can I do to help?” — heroes who, as I like to say, see in the face of a stranger, a neighbor. 

Yet, church, there are some who are not acting in the spirit of community.  And I am speaking of those who have been literally not telling the truth — lying — about people who are working hard to help folks in need; spreading disinformation, when the truth and facts are required.  And the — the problem with this, beyond the obvious, is it’s making it harder, then, to get people lifesaving information, if they’re led to believe they cannot trust. 

And that’s the pain of it all, which is the idea that those who are in need have somehow been convinced that the forces are working against them in a way that they would not seek aid.  

And let’s let that sink in for a moment.  Right now, fellow Americans are experiencing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.  Yet, instead of offering hope, there are those who are channeling people’s tragedies and sorrows into grievance and hatred.  And one may ask, “Why?”  And I think, sadly, frankly, the motives are quite transparent: to gain some advantage for themselves, to play politics with other people’s heartbreak.  And it is unconscionable. 

Now is not a time to incite fear.  (Applause.)  It is not right to make people feel alone.  That is not what — and this is a church full of leaders — that is not what leaders, as we know, do in crisis. 

Now is a time to bring folks together, to come together, to be there for one another, and follow the example of all of the heroes all around us.  And now is the time to live up to the fundamental values that reflect our nation at its best: the values of compassion and community and honesty and decency — the values that define the people of Greenville, the — the people of North Carolina, and — and the people like a fellow who I met recently.  His name is Eddie Hunnell.  And I’m going to tell you a quick story about Eddie Hunnell.

So, I met him in Charlotte the other week.  He was visiting Grassy Creek for his son’s wedding when he saw a woman in the raging floodwaters.  First, he tried to rescue her by canoe.  When that didn’t work, this ma- — a perfect stranger, he’s watching — he jumped in the river and pulled her ashore. 

And when I talked with Eddie about his act of courage, here’s what he said to me.  He said, “Well I didn’t feel I had a choice.”  But, of course, he had a choice.  Of course, he had a choice.

But his choice was to take a risk for the sake of another.  Didn’t even reflect on the risk he might have been taking.  (Applause.)  Right? 

His choice was to follow his conscience.  His choice was, in the words of Isaiah, to be “a refuge for the needy in their distress.”  (Applause.)  He chose to remember that we are all in this together.

And if that is true during a terrible storm, it is also true when the storm passes.  (Applause.)  It is true in our everyday lives.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Galatia, he knew folks might feel the weight of the burden of doing good, that they may feel a temptation to turn away from others in their time of need, to believe, “What does it matter?”  But Paul reminded them and us that God calls us not to become weary of doing good. 

Because we each have the power — God tells us this — the power, each one of us, to make a difference.  And that tells us that the measure of our strength will be clear when we see what we can do to lift other people up — (applause) — just as Eddie did and as the heroes and the angels in this church and all over are doing after these storms.  Across North Carolina, Florida, and impacted communities, we are witnessing faith in action.  (Applause.)

So, I close with this.  Let us continue to look in the face of a stranger and see a neighbor.  (Applause.)  Let us recognize that when we shine the light in moments of darkness, it will guide our feet onto the path of peace.  And let us always remember that while weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.) 

Thank you.  May God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.

Thank you, church.  (Applause.) END    

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MacDill Air Force Base
Tampa, Florida

12:35 P.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President, where was Governor DeSantis?  Did you speak with him while you were here?

THE PRESIDENT:  No, I didn’t. 

But I — by — by the way, I think we’re making real progress.  Everybody seems pretty happy with the way it’s going.  We’re not leaving.  We’re provi- — we’re going to — the next thing to do, we’re trying to make sure we get the money in there for small businesses; talking to the Congress to see if they can get the money quickly.  It’s important. 

So, you saw, I mean, Republicans and Democrats are happy with what we’re doing.  And so, we’re making progress.  We’re making progress.

Q    Sir, could you —

Q    On the THAAD.  Did you — wh- — why did you decide to give the permission for the THAAD to be deployed in Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  To defend Israel.

Q    Any — any worries about it?

Q    Is the misinformation hurting FEMA’s ability to respond?

12:36 P.M. EDT

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Residential Area
St. Pete Beach, Florida

11:34 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, folks. 

I just met a number of the homeowners, been wiped out, and the — everything from the Coast Guard to the fire department.  It’s a hell of a deal.

I’m here in Florida for the second time in two weeks and — to survey the damage from another catastrophic storm: Hurricane Milton.  Thankfully, the storm’s impact was not as cataclysmic as had — we had predicted.  But on top of two [one] before it, it just keeps s- — seem we got to get — getting worse. 

And bu- — you know, but for some individuals, it was cataclysmic — all those folks who not only lost their homes but, more importantly, those folks who lost their lives, lost family members, lost all their personal belongings.  Entire neighborhoods were flooded, and millions — millions were without power.

Earlier this morning, I did an aerial tour of Saint Petersburg and the battered coastline.  I flew over Tropicana Field and — where the Tampa Bays play — Rays play, and the roof was almost completely off.  But thank God not many people were injured.

I spoke with first responders who’ve been working around the clock.  I also met with small-business owners here and homeowners who’ve taken a real beating — these back-to-back storms.  And they’re heartbroken and exhausted, and their expenses are piling up.

And I know from experience how devastating it is to lose your home.  Several years ago, my home was struck by lightning.  It didn’t all burn down, but we were out of the home for seven months while it was being repaired.  The thing I was most concerned about was not just the home; it was all those things, all those — all those pictures I saved, my — and my daughter had drawn when she was little, all the — all the family photographs, all the albums, all the things that really matter.  

Folks, the — the fact is that when you lose your wedding ring and the old photos of your children, family keepsakes, things that can’t be replaced — but sometimes, from my own experience, that’s the part that hurts the most.

And I’m standing next to the mayor of Pete’s Beach and the Chairwoman Peters.  Both their homes were damaged in Hurricane Milton.  The mayor’s home flooded, family vehicles washed away.  The county chair’s home had experienced significant damage in the past two storms previous.  They just finished rebuilding and settling back in, and now they have to do it all over again.   

Both their families lost precious personal belongings, but they’ve stepped up not only to look out for themselves but to help other families, help their neighbors.  You know, that’s the resilience of the people of West Florida.

And I want to thank them and all the public officials who suffered consequential losses because of the storm but who are out there doing things to help other people who had serious losses.  It matters.  The American people should know the sacrifices they’re making.

You know, they’ve been steadfast partners as well.  We’ve been in frequent contact.

And it’s in moments like this we come together to take care of each other, not as Democrats or Republicans but as Americans — Americans who need help and Americans who would help you if you were in the same situation.  We are one United States — one Unites States.

I also came here to talk about all the progress we have made together.  This is a whole-of-government effort, from state and local to FEMA to U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, the Energy Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, just to name a few.

FEMA has delivered 1.2 million meals, over 300,000 liters of water, 2 million gallons of fuel.  And so far, we’ve installed 100 satellite terminals to restore communications in impacted areas so families can ton- — contact their loved ones to be sure everything is okay and be able to reach out for help as well.

Speaking of help, so far, we’ve opened 10 disaster recovery centers in Florida, with more to come, so people can have one stop to meet with officials, get the federal help they’re entitled to that’s available to them, such as direct, immediate financial aid and no [low-]interest payment loans, mortgage relief, and so much more.

You can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov — DisasterAssistance.gov — or call 1-800-621-FEMA — F-E-M-A.

Yesterday, after I signed the major disaster declaration, more than 250,000 Floridians registered for help — 250,000 — the most in sin- — any — a single day ever in the history of this country — 250,000.

I know you’re concerned about the debris removal, and it’s obvious why.  We’re prioritizing debris removal and working with the state and local partners to clear roads, to get wreckage into — of the two hurricanes off properties, and so more folks can return home and businesses can receive much-needed deliveries of food, fuel, medicine, and other essentials.  That’s a priority for me.

Power has also been restored to over 2 million people in a matter of days.  And thanks to tens of thousands of power workers from 43 states and Canada working nonstop, even more people will have more power restored soon. 

Today, I’m proud to announce $612 million to six new cutting-edge projects to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton.  That includes $47 million for Gainesville Regional Utilities and another $47 million for Florida Power & Light.

This funding will not only restore power, but it’ll make the region’s power system stronger and more capable and reduce the frequency and duration of power outages while extreme weather events become more frequent. 

In fact, we’ve been able to restore power quicker because of critical infrastructure investments were made both when I was vice president and president to harden the grid.  For folks at home, “the grid” means the electrical power system that transmits energy from the — where it’s produced in a power plant to where it’s used in homes and businesses. 

We’ve been hardening the grid, like b- — like burying transmission lines underground, replacing wood power poles with concrete or composite poles so they don’t snap in the wind.

Energy Secretary Granholm is here with me today leading this effort, and she’ll tell you more about it and other cutting-edge technologies on the grid in a moment.

Let me close with this.  I’m here to porsonally — personally say thank you to the brave first responders — and I don’t want to underestimate that — brave first responders, men and women in uniform, utility workers.  (Inaudible) look at the number that showed up from around the country — from Canada — California, Nebraska, all over the country — to come here to help. 

Men and women in uniform, as I said; health care personnel; neighbors helping neighbors; and so many more people.  This is all a team effort, folks.  You made a big difference.  And it’s saved lives.

But there’s much more to do, and we’re going to do everything we can to get power back into your homes, not only helping you recover but to help you build back stronger.

God bless you all.  And may God protect our first responders and protect our troops.

Now I’m going to turn this over to Secretary Granholm.  Madam Secretary. 

11:42 A.M. EDT

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Joint Base Andrews
Prince George’s County, Maryland

4:42 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, guys.

Q    Hi, Madam Vice President.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, you saw I — I released my medical records today. 

Q    (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I appreciate you.  (Laughs.)

So, today I released my medical records, as has, I believe, every candidate for president of the United States except Donald Trump in this election cycle.  And it’s just a further example of his lack of transparency — that on top of his unwillingness to debate again, his unwillingness to do an interview with “60 Minutes,” which, again, is part of the norm of what anyone running for president of the United States does. 

And I think that it’s obvious that his team, at least, does not want the American people to see everything about who he is.  And you put that on top of even the most recent reports of General Milley, one of the people who worked the closest with Donald Trump, referring to him as being “unstable.”  And it is clear to me that he and his team do not want the American people to really see what it is that he is doing and whether or not he actually is fit to do the job of being president of the United States.  So —

Q    And are — you obviously don’t have insight into what his health is, but from watching him, do you think he’s fit for office?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I will not give you a medical analysis of his fitness.  But on every other le- — level, when it comes to what we should expect in a president of the United States around having the ability to actually exercise good judgment, both as commander in chief and as the leader of this great country, we know that he does not have the ability to do the job.  He is unfit for office. 

He talks at his rallies about fictional characters.  He constantly is in a state of grievance about himself.  He has no plans for the American people.  And then he just makes things up on a full-time basis with the intention to make the people afraid, to make people fear that which they should not be afraid of.  But he does it in a way that he thinks, I think, will compel them to believe that somehow he is the savior, when, in fact, he is quite unfit to do the job.

Q    For all the discussion that he had about President Biden’s mental acuity, in particular, what do you think about President Trump’s acu- — mental acuity and whether it’s declined since, say, his 2016 campaign?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I invite the public to watch his rallies and be the decision-maker on his acuity, and you will see in his rallies how he goes off on tangents, how he is not focused on the needs of the American people with solutions to the issues that concern them the most.

Q    Can you give us a sense of what you want to do in North Carolina this weekend?  And also, just broadly, the race is very tight still.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  Yeah.

Q    Some Democrats are getting nervous and anxious.  What’s your message to them?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, I am looking very forward to returning to North Carolina.  I’ve been spending a lot of time there, both during this el- — election cycle but as vice president and even before. 

I look forward to talking with the people of North Carolina on a number of levels, first and foremost to see how they’re doing in the wake of the hurricane but also to talk with folks about how they are thinking about the election and what they need. 

I’m going to be having some discussions with voters and folks who are on the ground there and listening to them but also talking about my plan for what we’re going to do to create an opportunity economy, what we’re going to do to bring down the price of groceries, what we’re going to do to put investments in small businesses and in the industries of the future, what we are doing to invest in the American family through an expansion of the Child Tax Credit. 

That’s what I’ll be talking with them about on the ground. 

Q    And Democratic fear —

(Cross-talk.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I think — but let —

Q    (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Here, let me just finish — yeah. 

Listen, this is a — there’s no question — I say it in my rallies — this is a tight race.  It is a margin-of-error race.  And that’s why I’m out here and will continue, for the next 24 days, to be traveling around our country, talking with folks about the issues that matter most to them, and offering them what I believe to be solutions to the challenges that they are facing. 

I’m going to be talking with them continuously about, for example, how some of the most respected economists in the country — whether they be the 16 Nobel Prize laureates or Goldman Sachs — have referred to my economic policy as one that would strengthen America’s economy, as compared to Donald Trump’s policies, which would weaken America’s economy. 

I will be talking about the fact that I have the support of Republicans who worked with both presidents Bush, Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Donald Trump, who are supporting my candidacy because they believe that it is important to put country above party when we are looking at the other side of this equation, at a Donald Trump who has been clear that he would terminate the Constitution of the United States and be a dictator on day one. 

So, this is a tight race, but the choice is clear.  The voters have a choice between what we are offering, which is to look to the future of America and invest in the American people or a Donald Trump, who is constantly trying to take us backwards. 

Thank you all.

END                 4:48 P.M. EDT

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Grayhawk Golf Club
Scottsdale, Arizona

12:12 P.M. MST

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, everyone.  Good afternoon.  Please have a seat.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

Thank you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  I appreciate you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.) 

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  I’m touched.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  That means a lot.  Thank you, (inaudible).  (Applause.) 

Thank you.  Please, please, please have a seat.  I’m — I’m very touched and very honored.  And thank you, all leaders who are here. 

Mayor Giles, I thank you.  You’ve been an extraordinary friend.  And I really — I so appreciate the courage that you have shown to be so open and forward about the importance of us all working together, and your support has meant the world to me.  So, in front of all of the friends, I thank you very much for all you’ve done.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

And former State Rep Shaw, I thank you as well.  Is sh- — I — there you are.  (Laughter.)  Thank you for all the support that you have given as well.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

So, we are all here together because we love our country.  We love our country.  And I was talking with some folks recently about the importance of understanding the — the duality, frankly, that exists in terms of our democracy. 

You know, as your vice president, I have now met over 150 world leaders — presidents, prime ministers, chancellors, and kings — and when we, representing the United States, walk in those rooms, traditionally, we’ve been able to walk in those rooms chin up, shoulders back, with the earned and self-appointed authority to talk about the importance of democracies, rule of law.  But I say, to a room of role models, here’s the thing about being a role model: When you’re a role model, folks watch what you do to see if it matches up to what you say. 

And I tell you because I have traveled the country recently — including the many, many trips that I have taken over the last almost four years — but recently, in particular, where world leaders, allies have come up to me — we’re now on a first-name basis; I’ve met with so many of them so many times — and they have said to me, “Kamala, I hope you guys are going to be okay.”

One of the things that I think about and weighs on me sometimes is I hope we, as Americans, really understand how important we are to the world.  We are so important to the world.  Those people who fight for democracy, who fight for freedom, who fight for a life in which they can have opportunity, they hold us up and they hold us out as a model. 

And that, as much as anything, is at stake right now in this election.  And I know I’m speaking to a group of people who know that and know that well. 

You know, I was raised to believe that hard work is important, it is important to look out for each other, it is important to understand that the vast majority of u- — of us have so much more in common than what separates us. 

I was raised in a community of folks who understood that when we stand together, when we look for commonality, that’s when we thrive. 

And part of what we know has been happening in the last several years in our country is there’s some powerful forces that are trying to divide us as Americans, would have us and cheer us on if we point fingers at one another. 

There’s this kind of backward thinking coming from some folks that suggests that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down, instead of what we know, which is the real measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up.  That’s strength.  (Applause.)

But — but truly, like i- — but — but I mean that intentionally.  It’s not only good and right.  That’s strength. 

Because that’s part of what is the perversion of what some people are suggesting, as though it is a sign of weakness to have empathy, to have some level of concern and care about the suffering of other people and then take it upon oneself to do something about that that is about lifting the condition of your fellow human being. 

So, when we think about what’s at stake in this election — whoa, it’s packed with some stuff.  (Laughter.)  It’s packed with some fundamental stuff — (applause) — I say rather articulately.  (Laughs.)  There’s so much at stake. 

Mayor, you mentioned John McCain.  Okay.  So, I’ll tell you, I was in the United States Senate for about four years, and — and I worked with John McCain.  And so, I’ll tell you, so there was this — we were on a committee together.  And, you know, these committee rooms in the United States Senate, they’re very grand and — and very impressive.  And John McCain was on one side of the dais; I was on the other — horseshoe. 

And he’s going after me.  He’s going after me.  We’re having some conversation.  I think it was about one of the nominees.  This — this was during President Trump’s years.  He’s going after me, and I’m going back after him.  (Laughter.)  I’m going back after him.  And that was it.  And this is what the public saw. 

And then I step onto the floor of the well of the Senate later that day — we had votes — and I passed by John McCain, and he looks at me and he says, “Kid, come over here.”  (Laughter.)  “You’re going to make a great senator.”  (Laughter and applause.)  True story.  True story.  True story.

That was John McCain.  That was John McCain. 

I was talking about him last night at a rally, right?  John McCain, who — you know, we didn’t agree on everything, but, man, I mean, what about an incredible American hero?  (Applause.) 

Again, strength — strength — right? — we know what the former president said about John McCain; I’m not going to repeat it here — but strength.

John McCain stood on principle.  He stood on a belief in the — in the importance of — of patriotism, of sacrifice, of what we stand for as a country. 

And part of what I talked about at a rally last night is — I — I shared with the folks in the room: I was there on the Senate floor, way into the middle of the night, when it was yet another attempt of the former president to get rid of the Affordable Care Act, which, as we know, has been literally a lifesaver for people, right?  (Applause.)  What it has done to no longer allow preexisting conditions to be the reason that an insurance company can’t give you assistance.  Right?

And you all may have seen it.  I was there on the floor that night, and we were all standing around because whether or not the Affordable Care Act would continue to be relied on one vote.  And we were all standing on the floor.  And, of course, I had voted to keep it going.  And — and I say this, and it sounds like it’s out of a movie, but this is how I experienced it.

On the flo- — floor with my colleagues in the Senate well — it was late into the night, and they — in the Senate, they had the — you walk onto the Senate floor, and there are these big, wooden ornate doors.  And those ornate doors opened — (laughter) — and John McCain came out. 

And he went to the floor, and he said, “No, you don’t.”  (Applause.)  He said, “No, you don’t.”  “No, you don’t take away health care for millions of people.” 

And that is but one example of an individual that we all respect who put country before party in terms of what they thought was right.  I am honored to have the endorsement of Jeff Flake, someone I also worked with — (applause) — again, putting country before party.

And so, I say all of that to say that those are examples that are situated right here in this beautiful state of Arizona, a tradition that everyone, and all of us, I will say, stand on. 

And then, of course, most recently, what Maricopa did in terms of the clerk refusing to participate in the intention to undo the will of the people in a free and fair election.  The people of this state have always shown extraordinary courage to stand up for the principles upon which we as a country were founded.  And I thank you for that.  I thank you for that.

I know we are going to win this election, and it is not going to be easy.  There are forces at play that are making us, as-  — as Americans, I think, call into question certain fundamentals that we have always taken for granted, that is part of our pride: freedom — freedom — freedom from the government making decisions about a person’s body, a woman’s body; freedom to just be; freedom over matters of heart and home, I like to say; fundamental principles around the importance of rule of law, whether we should actually be concerned and have a question — a legitimate question in an election for president of the United States, the commander in chief, of whether they will abide by the oath.  (Applause.) 

But imagine — imagine.  That’s a legitimate question we are asking.  It’s not rhetorical.  It’s a legitimate question we are asking.

He who said that he would, quote, “terminate” the Constitution of the United States.  He who said he would be a dictator on day one.  He who intends to weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies — take away the independence of the Department of Justice and put in place loyalists.

Fundamental notions about who and what we are as a democracy are at play in this election.  And you all, each of you, have had the courage to say, hey, we may not agree on every single thing — that’s also what a democracy looks like — but foundational, first principles cannot be in question, not for the sake of our children, not for the sake of our future and well-being, not for the sake of our standing in the world.

And so, I tell you all this to just reaffirm that we — we share not only a concern but a commitment to our country and what’s most important about, in a moment of crisis — dare I say, I think this is one — do we stand together as Americans being our first identity and come together around these issues?

And I — I’m going to actually announce — we have press in the room — that I have decided also — not only will I have a Republican in my Cabinet, but I’m also going to — I — I was talking to my team about it.  I want to create some structure around the following, which is: I love good ideas.  Wherever they come from, I love good ideas.  (Applause.)  Right?

And so, part of what I intend to do, Mayor, and put some structure around is creating a bipartisan council of advisers who can then give feedback on policy as we go forward.  Because here’s the thing I also understand and feel strongly about: In order for us as America to maintain our status as the strongest democracy in the world, we need a healthy two-party system.  We have to have a healthy two-party system.  (Applause.)  We have to.  It’s in the best interest of all of us.  It’s in the best interest of all of us. 

You know, the way that I like to lead — I bring folks in my office all the time, and they know I don’t want any “yes” people.  I want people to come in and, first of all, be prepared.  (Laughter.)  Yeah, no time to waste.  But come in and then let’s — let’s, as I often say, kick the tires on ideas.  Because the best ideas will survive those kinds of challenges, and the best ideas will then be most relevant to the American people, most in- — effective to the American people. 

And so, I’m going to create a bipartisan council so we can put some structure around exactly this point and do the work that is important. 

And then I’m — I’m just going to close with this.  You know, again, I think on the fundamentals, we have more in common than what separates us, including across faiths. 

So, I know there are mem- — a lot of members of the LDS community here, and you may or may not know my pastor actually spoke at the 100th birthday of President Nelson.  (Applause.)  Yeah.  Yeah. 

And I just — and that wasn’t a plan as part of this.  It just is.  And — and I just think if we think in our lives and in what we know, there are so many examples of that point.  We have so much more in common than what separates us, especially on the fundamentals. 

And so, with that, I say that I am committed to all of you to be a president for all Americans and to work as we must — together — again, knowing we have so much more in common than what separates us.  And on the biggest and most important issues, I think we know that this is a fight that is not against something as much as it is a fight that is for something.  (Applause.)

Thank you. 

God bless you.  God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

                          END                 12:28 P.M. MST

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Roosevelt Room

1:21 P.M. EDT
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, folks, Kamala and I have just received a briefing from senior leaders across our administration from Hurricane Helene and — and Hurricane Milton.  And to state the obvious, I’m sure you feel the same way, our heart goes out to all those folks who — who’ve lost not only personal property but their homes and some lost lives — and grieving after the aftermath of the — the tornados, brutal winds, record downpours, and historic flooding. 
 
I must have spoken in the last three days to 50 to 75 members of the — in Cali- — from North Carolina all the way down to Florida, talking to mayors and county executives and — anyway, it’s just — it’s amazing what’s going on. 
 
And, you know, this is the third major storm — third major storm to hit California — I mean, excuse me, Florida, in three months.  And experts estimate that as — and it’s early — early estimates — it could be more; it could be less — but estimates that it’s caused damages around $50 billion from Hurricane Milton alone — just alone, $50 billion.
 
And I want everyone in the impacted areas to know we’re going to do everything we can to let you — help you pick back up the pieces and get back to where you were. 
 
We’ve been in constant contact, calling and reaching out to over 40 state and local officials, as I said, and they — they need — we have to give them a little bit of hope.  I mean, some of you have been through crises.  You know the one thing you wonder about when things are really bad is, is there hope?  Is — is anybody coming?  What’s going to happen?  And that’s what — that’s what’s happening right now.  State and local officials are — are doing everything they can to help these folks recover.
 
At my request, the primary focus of today’s briefing has been on the power restoration and debris removal, because there are urgent needs. 
 
Milton left over 3 million people without power, but with the dedication of 50,000 powerline workers — 50,000 powerline workers from 43 states and the country of — and Canada have stepped up and come down to help and to restore — they’ve already restored power to 1 million people so far. 
 
And, by the way, if you ever watch these guys and women climb these poles in the middle of nowhere, this is — anyway, they’re — they’re risking this while they’re doing this work. 
 
And I’ve — we just spoke to the CEOs of the public and private electric utilities to thank them for surging their — their restoration crews to people urgently needing power, even in the communities they don’t serve.  That’s one of the points: A lot of these folks are going into the communities they have — they don’t serve at all and just volunteering.  And the energy sector is real. 
 
And, by the way, our secretary, Jennifer Granholm, of Energy, is — she calls it a “mini NATO,” a — a commitment to mutual assistance and another shining example of Americans — literally someone — when push comes to shove, they stand up and take care of one another.
 
We’re going to continue to prioritize this effort until everyone is reconnected and back online. 
 
We’ve been able to get this work done quicker because of critical infrastructure investments we’ve made, but when I was vice president — both when I was vice president and since I’ve been president to harden the grid — the grid — you all know it, but “the grid” meaning, for your listeners, the electric power grid that transmits power — harden the grid by incorporating innovative technologies like burying transmission lines underground, replacing wood power poles with concrete power poles that don’t snap in the wind. 
 
To reduce the impact of extreme weather and climate change, we have to continue making these investments.  We were just talking about it with the utility companies and with our team here and with — with the secretary. 
 
You know, over the years, the past several years, Florida has taken the money, back when we — I got when we were vice president — when I was vice president, to invest in putting these lines underground.  It costs a hell of a lot more to put the lines underground than it does up in the air, but — up to six times more or seven times more — but it makes sense, be- –and anybody who says, “We don’t want to spend the money,” think of the three storms.  Ev- — after every damn storm, it’ll wipe out the power grid; you’ve got to rebuild it.  And so, if you can keep it so it’s not wiped out, it makes a long-term savings.
 
And the other thing that’s a big deal is debris removal.  FEMA and the Corps of Engineers and the Florida National Guard are now on the ground helping the state clear debris — debris to reopen roads and critical ports as well. 

I mean, s- — you’ve seen the pictures.  Some of you have been there.  You see wh- — for example, in North Carolina, where half a mountain comes down and the bridge rolls into the water, and you’ve got — you’ve got piles.  I mean, you — you see at the end of a — end of a river in a cul-de-sac.  I mean, piles are three, four, five feet high with all kinds of debris in there.  It’s going to take a lot of time and money to remove it.
 
But the Army Corps and the Florida National Guard in Florida are on the ground helping clear this debris and reopen the roads.  A- — and so, we can make — they have to do it for other reasons, to make critical deliveries of food, water, and tarps and lifesaving supplies.
 
The Coast Guard is leading the effort to reopen the Port of Tampa, which you — as you all know, because we’ve — everybody’s been covering it and they’ve done a good job of doing it — covering it because it’s a port that delivers a lot of — a lot of fuel that goes into the region and goods that are necessary.  It’s critical for the economy of the region.
 
And — and, again, let me say that the misinformation out there is not only just disgusting, but it — it’s dangerous and it’s misleading.  And, again, the first thing it does — and I mean this sincerely.  I don’t — a lot of you have been through these crises, some of you personally.  But people desperately want hope — “Tell me it’s going to be okay.”  “Tell me it’s going to be okay.”  And they’re in real trouble, a lot of them.
 
And to hear this malarkey you’re hearing from some of the people we — I won’t even get into, but — I’ll lose my temper. 
 
But, anyway, the truth is we’re providing all the resources that are needed.
 
Let me close with this.  I want to thank you again to our brave first responders, powerline workers, state and local officials, and neighbors helping neighbors and so many more. 
 
Look, it’s a team effort.  I know that sounds corny, but it really is a team effort and everybody in the game here.
 
We — we’re looking at it very seriously, and we’re working together.  And it’s made a big difference.  I think we’ve saved lives — not me, but we, all of those folks out in the field have saved lives.   
 
But there’s more to do, and we’re going to do everything in my power to get it done.  And the fact of the matter is that we’re in a situation where — well —
 
SECRETARY GRANHOLM:  She’s (inaudible) —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I — I know.  I’m going to go to the vice president in a second. 
 
The — she — she’s my boss here.  (Laughter.)  (Inaudible.)
 
SECRETARY GRANHOLM:  I wasn’t sure if you saw it.  (Laughs.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  We’re — we’re going to be —
 
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Mr. President —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Wa- — hang on one second, Madam Vice President.
 
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Sure.  (Laughs.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  We’re going to — we’re going to be going to the Congress.  We’re going to need a lot of help, going to need a lot more money as we — as we identify specifically how much is needed.
 
So, I’m just telling everybody now.  I don’t want to hear the — this is going to be the end of it. 
 
So — and so, with that, I’ll le- — I’ll yield to the president — I mean, the vice president.  (Laughter.)
 
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Mr. President.  And thank you to all of the men and women represented at the agencies that are represented by the members of the president’s Cabinet for the work that they’ve been doing around the clock.
 
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, we have, of course, witnessed widespread devastation.  Homes and neighborhoods have been severely damaged.  Millions of people are without power and thousands without clean water.
 
To the people of Florida, and — you must know — and to the — all of those in the region, our nation is with you.  We see your incredible strength and resilience, and we are working around the clock to keep you safe.  We continue to coordinate resources with local and state authorities, including food, water, medical supplies, and generators, and we will continue to work with the teams on the ground to restore water and power as quickly as possible.
 
In the coming days and weeks, President Biden and I will make sure that the communities that are there on the ground and have been affected will have the resources they need not only to respond to the storm but also to recover.  And we will continue to keep communities in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and across the Southeast — ensured that they will recover from Hurricane Helene.
 
Finally, I will say once again, as Secretary Mayorkas and I have discussed, to any company or individual that is using this crisis to jack up prices through illegal fraud or price gouging, whether it be at the gas pump, the airport, or the hotel counter, we will be monitoring, and there will be a consequence.
 
The bottom line is this.  We are in this for the long haul, and the support and the coordination between federal, state, and local authorities and leaders has been extraordinary and will continue for as long as it takes.
 
I thank you all.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
 
(Cross-talk.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Holler louder.  Holler louder.  I can’t hear you. 
 
Q    Mr. President, are you worried about —
 
Q    The misinformation that you’ve been talking about that you’re so worried about?  Do you —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Say again.
 
Q    The misinformation that you’ve been —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.
 
Q    — talking about related to this hurricane and the recovery efforts.  Do you think it’s temporary, or do you think and worry that this might be a permanent state of being for this country?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I think it’s a permanent state of being for some extreme people, but I don’t think it’s what the country is about.  It’s — we’re — we’re breaking through it.  We’re breaking through with the truth. 
 
And if you’ve noticed — and I’ve really been proud of — I’ve been on the phone, talking with a lot of Republican mayors and governors.  They’re standing up saying this is — not — not Joe Biden, but conservative, hardcore Republican governors, hardcore Republican mayors standing up and saying, “It’s got to stop.  It’s got to stop.”
 
And — and I — I believe it’s — there’s nothing permanent about it.  I am pleased that more Americans are coming together in a purely voluntary way.  I mean, this is who the hell we are.  When America is in trouble, we all jump in and try to help, help your neighbor.  And that’s ma- — bas- — basically what’s happening. 
 
But what — the thing that bothers me the most is there’s a lot of people who get caught in these crises who are basically alone — you know, widowers, wi- — widowers, people in hospitals, people who are all by themselves.  And they don’t know — and they lose contact, and they get — and they just get scared to death — scared to death.  And — anyway.
 
So, I think it’s a — I think those who have been spreading these lies to try to undermine the opposition are going to pay a price for it.
 
Q    Mr. President, are you worried about this effect —
 
Q    But do you think Donald Trump is singularly to blame for all of this?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, he’s not singularly — but he’s just the biggest mouth.
 
Q    Mr. President, will you ask —
 
Q    Mr. President, have you spoken to Speaker Johnson —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, I haven’t —
 
Q    — on calling Congress back?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  — but we’re going to — I’ve spoken to Republicans who want to speak to Speaker Johnson.  And I think Speaker Johnson is going to get the message that he’s got to step up, particularly for small businesses. 
 
Q    Do you plan to meet with DeSantis in Florida?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I — I’ve spoken to him.  If he’s a- — if he’s available, yeah.  He’s been very cooperative.  I’ve had no — we’ve had — we got on very, very well. 
 
(Cross-talk.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Let me —
 
Q    Are you as- — are you asking Israel to stop hitting U.N. peacekeepers?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Absolutely, positively. 
 
Q    What — what about nuclear —
 
Q    Mr. President, will you — will you approve Mr. Trump’s request to use military aircraft in the final stages of the campaign?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I’m sorry?
 
Q    Will you approve Mr. Trump’s request to use military aircraft in the final stages of the campaign?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  As long as he doesn’t ask for F-15s.  No, I’m being facetious. 
 
Look, I’ve told the department to give him every — every single thing he needs for his — at any other — as — as he were a sitting president, give all that needs.  If it fits within that category, that’s fine.  But if it doesn’t, he shouldn’t.

1:34 P.M. EDT

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Teleconference

11:07 A.M. MST

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Douglas.  Thank you, my darling husband. 

And I want to thank you in front of all of the friends for all of the leadership that you have shown and the inspiration that you have given so many and, in particular, our young people.  Many of you may know, Doug has been visiting everything from summer camps to youth organizations and reminding our young leaders of the importance of their pride and their strength, especially at moments like this.  So, thank you, Doug.

And it is wonderful to be with so many friends during the High Holidays.  And my wish, of course, for everyone is that you have a good New Year ahead and an easy fast.

Now, I know this year, as Ilan said, the High Holidays come at a particularly difficult time. 

And earlier this week, of course, we marked the one year since the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.  And I know it has just rekindled what has been an enduring and deep fear among Jews not just in Israel but in the United States and around the world.

And I know how the existence of a secure, democratic homeland for the Jewish people means so much for Jews and all of us, regardless of where they live.

I will never forget October 7, and the world must never forget.  And we all must work to ensure nothing like the horrors of that day can ever happen again.

To that end, as president, it is my pledge that I will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists.  And I will always support Israel’s right to defend itself.  My commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering.

And this — as Doug has said, as Ilan knows — has been a lifelong commitment, starting, as many of you know, when I was a young girl and collected donations on behalf of the Jewish National Fund to plant trees for Israel.  Many of you probably recall those little blue boxes.

And, as president, I will always work to ensure the safety and security of the people of Israel and Jewish people here in the United States and around the world. 

When it comes to the war in Gaza, we have seen so much suffering and pain over the past year, and it is time to bring the conflict to an end.  And I am working to ensure it ends such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination. 

We are not giving up on a ceasefire and hostage deal.  We cannot.  And I will never stop fighting for the release of all the hostages, including, of course, the seven American citizens, living and deceased, who are still held.  We are fighting for them every day.  As Ilan and Doug have mentioned, I have met and spent time with their families.  And we cannot and will not rest until all the hostages are home. 

We know Hamas is not the only threat Israel faces.  On October 8, Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israel, and the Houthis in Yemen began targeting Israeli cities. 

And what is the common thread?  Well, we all know: Iran, which has now also directly attacked Israel twice.

I am clear-eyed.  Iran is a destabilizing and dangerous force. 

When Donald Trump was president, he let Iran off the hook.  After Iran and its proxies attacked U.S. bases and American troops, Trump did nothing.  And he pulled out of the nuclear deal without any plan, leading to an unconstrained Iranian nuclear program. 

On the other hand, our administration struck Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria when they attacked American troops, and we are the first administration to ever directly defend Israel. 

On April 13, I joined President Biden and our national security team for more than five hours as we and a coalition of nations that we brought together responded to Iran’s unprecedented attack.  And then, of course, last week, on October 1st, I was in the Situation Room for more than three hours coordinating in real time with our military leadership as our forces intercept milsi- — missiles over the skies of Israel. 

Make no mistake, as president, I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend American forces and interests from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists, and I will never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. 

Diplomacy is my preferred path to that end, but all options are on the table. 

And let’s be clear.  Donald Trump is not only a threat on the world stage.  As we have seen a rise in antisemitism in our own country, Trump has espoused dangerous and hateful antisemitic tropes, creating fear and division.  He praised some of the neo-Nazi marchers in Charlottesville as, quote, “very fine people.”  He reportedly said Hitler did some, quote, “good things.” 

I have spent my entire career fighting antisemitism.  I prosecuted hate crimes as a district attorney.  I continued this work as attorney general of California, where I published an annual report on hate crimes to ensure that policymakers and law enforcement respond with a sense of urgency and an understanding of the ubiquity of the problem. 

And as vice president, I am proud to be implementing the first-ever National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, which, of course, Doug was an extraordinary leader in making sure would be created. 

And as president, I will do everything in my power to combat antisemitism whenever and wherever we see it. 

On the topic of antisemitism, I know, across the country, many Jewish parents, grandparents are worried for their children who are on college campuses.  And I know many Jewish students have feared attending class in recent months. 

As we know, in a democracy, everyone has a right to make their voices heard.  I believe in the freedom of speech.  I also believe there is no place for hate or violence in our country. 

When individuals participate in calls to violence and harassment against Jews, that is antisemitism, and I condemn it.  When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or identity and when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism, and I condemn it. 

     Each university must ensure all students and faculty are safe and secure on campus. 

In the United States of America, we can and we must ensure people can peacefully make their voices heard, while we also stand up for the rule of law and stand up against hate, and this is a priority for me. 

     In conclusion, I will say, everyone, I believe, should have the freedom to practice their religion and express their faith and the freedom to be safe from violence and fear.  In many ways, that is what we are fighting for in this election. 

     Ours is a fight for freedom, like the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body, like the freedom to be safe from gun violence, like the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride. 

     So, to the friends gathered, I know part of the reason we are on this call together is we love our country.  And I do believe it is the highest form of patriotism, of an expression of love for our country to fight for the ideals of our country. 

     Election Day is in 25 days, and early voting is already starting in some states.  So, let’s, please, in the spirit of the holidays and in the spirit of this moment, let’s please use these next 25 days to continue the work of building community and building coalitions.  Let’s remind each other we have so much more in common than what separates us. 

     And let’s implement that spirit by also texting our friends, family members, and neighbors to make sure they know the stakes and to make sure they know their power in this moment. 

     And as we continue to energize, organize, and mobilize, let us know that we are all in this together, in this fight for our democracy, for our country. 

     And as I always say, when we fight, we win. 

     Thank you all.  And please take care. 

Thank you. 

                               END                 11:16 A.M. MST

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Rawhide Event Center
Chandler, Arizona

6:15 P.M. MST

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, Arizona!  (Applause.) 

All right.  Can we say thank you to Gerardo?  (Applause.)

Arizona!  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Oh, my goodness.  All right.  Okay.  All right.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Thank you all.  Oh, my goodness.  (Applause.)

Okay.  All right.  Okay.  Okay.  Come on.  Come on.  We got some work to do.  We got some work to do.  We got some work to do.  (Applause.)  All right.  We got some work to do.  (Laughs.)

Well, let me just say, it is good to be back in Arizona.  (Applause.)  And thank you all.  There are so many — this is an extraordinary group of leaders, and I thank you all for the time that you have taken to be together —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you, Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — for us to have this kind — I love you back.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

I want to thank Governor Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community — (applause) — and to all the elected leaders here today.

Representative Gallego, who could not be with us, but, Arizona, let’s send him to the United States Senate.  (Applause.)  And let’s send former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez — (applause) — to the United States Congress.

And let me say, it means so much to be back with the Gila River Indian Community.  (Applause.)  Last summer, I became the first vice president of the United States to visit this Tribal nation.  (Applause.)  And I strongly believe that the relationship between Tribal nations and the United States is sacred — (applause) — and that we must — and that we must honor Tribal sovereignty — (applause); embrace our trust in treaty obligations — (applause); and ensure Tribal self-determination.  (Applause.)

And it is my promise: As president of the United States, I will defend those principles always.  (Applause.)

And before I continue, I will say a few words about Hurricane Milton, which has cut a path of devastation across Florida and follows closely, of course, on the heels of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene to communities across the Southeast.  I know, as you do, that our heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted by these storms.

Our administration has mobilized thousands of federal personnel across the region to work hand in hand with local and state officials to give folks the help they need.  I have spoken with state, local officials — both Republican and Democrat — to let them know we will be with you every step of the way as you recover and rebuild.  (Applause.)  That is who we are.  That is who we are.

So, moving forward, let me say that, Arizona, look, we have just 26 days until Election Day — (applause) — 26 days.  And we are nearing the home stretch. 

And this will be a very tight race until the very end.  And we are the underdog.  We are the underdog.

AUDIENCE:  Woof!  Woof!  Woof!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  So — so, we have some hard work ahead of us, but we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work.  And with your help, in 26 days, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.

And y’all might have seen — y’all might have seen that just last night, Donald Trump officially ruled out any more debates. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now, I think it’s a disservice to the voters.  (Applause.)  I also think it’s a pretty weak move.  (Applause.)

But even if he will not debate, the contrast in this election is already clear.  This election is about two very different vusions — two very different visions for our nation.  One, his, focused on the past; the other, ours, focused on the future — (applause) — including being focused on the issues that matter most to working families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, in- — (applause) — investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs.  (Applause.)

Do we have any small businesses in the house?  (Applause.)  Yeah.  Bless you.  Bless you. 

We believe in fighting to protect reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  And we will always fight to keep our nation secure and honor our military service members.  (Applause.) 

These and so many others are the issues that matter to you and your families, which is why you have taken the time out of your very busy lives to be here this evening. 

But that is not what we hear from Donald Trump.  We don’t hear about these issues.  Instead, from Donald Trump, it’s the same old, tired playbook.  He has no plans — no plans for how he would address the needs of the American people.  He is only focused on himself.  (Applause.)

Well, folks, it’s time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It’s time to turn the page.  And America is ready for a new way forward — (applause) — and ready for a new, optimistic generation of leadership for our country.  (Applause.)  Which is why — Arizona, which is why Democrats, Republicans, and independents are supporting our campaign — (applause) — because they know we need a president who works for all the American people — (applause) — all the American people, because we know we have so much more in common than what separates us.  (Applause.) 

And we are exhausted with those who would try and have us, as Americans, point fingers at each other.  We’re tired of that.  (Applause.)  Enough.  Enough.

And fighting on behalf of the American people has been the story of my entire career.  I’ve only had, in my career, one client: the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  (Applause.)  As attorney general of California, I took on the big banks — (applause) — delivered $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.  I stood up for veterans and students being scammed — (applause) — being scammed by the big for-profit colleges.  I stood up for workers being cheated out of their wages.  I stood up for seniors facing elder abuse.  And it is my pledge to you, as president of the United States, I will always fight for all the American people — (applause) — for everyone.

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation — (applause) — a future where we build, for example, what I call an “opportunity economy,” where everyone has the ability to compete and have a real chance to succeed. 

Under my economic plan, we will bring down the cost of housing.  Arizona, you know that’s an issue we need to deal with.  (Applause.)  We will help first-time homebuyers with their down payments with $25,000 down payment assistance.  (Applause.)

We will help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses, knowing you are the backbone of America’s economy.  (Applause.)

We will expand health care in a way that makes Medicare cover home health care for seniors — (applause) — because we know it’s just not right that people have to spend down all their money to qualify for Medicaid to be able to take care of what is basically about dignity, when it comes to home health care.  (Applause.)  It’s about dignity. 

And so, part of my plan is to recognize you who are members of what we call the “sandwich generation” — (applause) — who are taking care of your young children and your parents at the same time — (applause) — knowing what that does in terms of the emotional, the physical, the mental burden that you are carrying just trying to take care of your family.  And we need to have policies in our country that see you and lift you up, knowing it is a matter of dignity and just what is right.  (Applause.)

We will lower the cost on everything from health care to groceries, taking on, for example, the issue of corporate price gouging.  I’ve done it before, and I’m going to do it again.  (Applause.)

We will give a tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life — (applause) — to help you be able to buy a crib or car seat or all the things you need at that critical stage of your child’s development. 

And all of this is to say, I will always put middle-class families first.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class.  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)

Now, Donald Trump has a different plan. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just google Project 2025.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And I continue to say, I can’t believe they put that in writing.  (Laughter.)  You know, they — they published it, they bound it, and they handed it out. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  They’re out of their minds!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  “They’re out of their minds.”  (Laughter.)

And it is a detailed, dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president again. 

Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Cut Social Security and Medicare is what he would do.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” a 20 percent tax on everyday goods and necessities, which will cost — the economists have said — the average American family nearly $4,000 more a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  On top of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now, Arizona, I was a member of the United States Senate during that time — but during that time when he was president and kept trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act.  And I’m going to tell you about one particular night, which has a direct connection to all of you. 

So, that one night, it was late, late, late in the night.  They were trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act again, and it required one more vote to keep it intact, and that vote was the late, great John McCain.  (Applause.)  A great American, a war hero: John McCain.  And I’ll never forget that night. 

So, we’re all standing in the chamber, and we’re waiting.  And then, you know, in the Senate chamber, there are these big wooden doors, and it was like out of a movie.  (Laughter.)  The wooden doors broke open, and John McCain came walking into the well of the United States Senate — (applause) — and said, “No, you don’t.  No, you don’t.  No, you don’t.” 

But Donald Trump is trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act still. 

And guess — here’s the thing.  He has no plan to replace it. 

AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, you watched the debate.  You watched the debate.  (Laughs.)  So, remember, he’s got, quote, “concepts of a plan.”  “Concepts.” 

Okay, so let’s think about that.  You know, I’ve said, because it’s true, he is an unserious man.  And the consequences of him ever being president again are brutally serious.

Because think about this: concept of a plan.  So, he’s basically going to threaten the health insurance of 45 million Americans based on a concept and take us back then to what?  To the time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, we are —

AUDIENCE:  Not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — not going back.  (Applause.)

We are not going back.  We are not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We’re not going back.  We’re not going back.  We’re not going back, no.

AUDIENCE:  We are not going back!  We are not going back!  We are not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT: No, because — no, because we will move forward.  (Applause.) 

Because ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom — (applause) — like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body — (applause) — and not have her government tell her what to do.

And we remember how we got here.  Donald Trump, when he was president, hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — that they would undo Roe, and they did as he intended.  And now more than one in three women in America lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — including right here in Arizona, 3.5 million women.  And many of these bans, like the one in this state, have no exceptions even for rape and incest.  It is immoral.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And I know we all know one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do.  (Applause.)  Not the government.  If she chooses, she’ll talk with her priest or her pastor or her rabbi or her mam — imam, but not the government. 

So, Arizona, we need to fight this battle on every front.  And in this election, you have the chance on the state level to vote yes on Proposition 139 — (applause) — 139 — and protect your right to make your own health care decisions.

And then, when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom nationwide — (applause) — as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  Proudly. 

But, look, in addition to that — you know, I’m traveling around the country, and across our nation, guys, we are witnessing a full-on attack on hard-won, hard-fought freedoms and rights, fundamental freedoms and rights, like the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride — (applause) — and the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water.  (Applause.) 

A topic that looms large here in Arizona, and I know that topic well.  I worked on drought resilience for years and helped secure historic resources for communities across the West to invest in water infrastructure, water recycling, and water storage.  And I promise you, as president, I will continue to invest in drought resilience so that communities like those across Arizona have what you need to thrive.  (Applause.) 

So, look, so much is on the line in this election.  Twenty-six days to go, and this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because, remember, a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court told the former president he is effectively immune from whatever he does in office. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now, because you all know, just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  He who has vowed, if he were reelected, he’d be a dictator on day one —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — who will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies, and who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States of America. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And let — let us be clear, someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again stand behind the seal of the president of the United States of America.  (Applause.)  Never again. Never again.  Never again. 

So, it all comes down to this.  Generations of Americans before us have led the fight for freedom, and now the baton is in our hands.  The baton is now in our hands because we here know what is at stake, and we love our country.  We love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

And I do believe one of the highest forms of patriotism —

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  (Inaudible.)

And one of the highest forms, then, of patriotism, of the expression of our love of our country is to fight for the ideals of our country and to fight to realize the promise of America.  (Applause.) 

So, the election is in 26 days.  Here in Arizona, early voting has already started statewide.  (Applause.)  You can cast your ballot today or any day between now and November 5th.  (Applause.)  So, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  (Applause.)  And if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out today.  Return it in today.  (Applause.)  I think some of you have.  (Laughs.)

Because, folks, the election is here.  The election is here, and we’ve got to energize and organize and mobilize. 

And please, let’s always remember: Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power.  (Applause.)

And so, Arizona, I ask you, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.) 

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win. 

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

                          END                 6:41 P.M. MST

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Harry Reid International Airport
Las Vegas, Nevada

3:35 P.M. PDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi.  I wanted to just say it’s been great to be back in Las Vegas.  I’ve been here so many times over the years, and this has been a good trip.  I had some good time to meet with the Culinary Union members, who, of course, are part of the backbone of this great city. 

And I guess, by contrast, my opponent, Donald Trump, yet again, has trashed another great American city when he was in Detroit, which is just a further piece of evidence on a very long list of why he is unfit to be president of the United States.

And with that, I’m happy to take any questions you all have.

     Q    Madam Vice President —

     Q    Madam Vice President, you talked a lot about it being a starker contrast in this election, yet it’s still pretty close, and you talked to a number of undecided voters.  What is your message to them?  Are you surprised that there are so many who still say they’re undecided?  And what would you want them to know about what you believe is that stark contrast?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  It’s an election for president of the United States, and I intend to earn every vote.  And that’s why I’m here in Nevada, why I’m on my way to Arizona, why I’m traveling the country: to talk with folks, to listen with them, just as I’ve been doing during this visit here to Las Vegas.

And there are a lot of issues that people deserve to hear about, including, for example, my plan on what we’re going to do to build an opportunity economy in a way that will bring down prices but also invest in our small businesses, invest in our entrepreneurs, and invest in American industries.

So, this is a campaign, and it is only right that we earn the vote in order to win what is one of the most important, if not the most important, office in our land.

     Q    And when you say “stark contrast” what do you believe is (inaudible) —

     Q    Madam Vice President, on that contrast, new reporting came out suggests that Donald Trump, as a private citizen, made multiple phone calls to Vladimir Putin.  Were you aware of those calls?  And what’s your response to that reporting?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’ve heard that reporting.  And let me tell you, that, on top of the further reporting, which is that, during the height of the pandemic, Donald Trump, as president of the United States, secretly sent COVID test kits to Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, an adversary, at a time when here in this town and across our country people were dying by the hundreds.  People were scrambling trying to find COVID tests, and the president of the United States secretly sent a bunch for the personal use of the president of Russia. 

We have so many examples of the fact that Donald Trump does not understand the importance of being president of the United States and commander in chief, whether it be what he does full time in demeaning members of our military, calling them “suckers” and “losers;” referring to a great American hero from the state I’m about to visit, who was a prisoner of war, as somehow undeserving of his admiration because he said he got caught.  We have examples of Donald Trump just constantly admiring dictators and autocrats, saying he wants to be a dictator on day one.

Let me tell you something: That’s a sign of the weakness of character that you would seek favor and flattery from dictators and put their needs over the needs of the American people.  And what more clear, most recent example can we have of that than giving COVID tests to the president of Russia when the people of America were dying every day and in need of those tests.

     Q    Madam Vice President, any comment on the air strikes in Lebanon?  Nearly two dozen people have been killed.  There was also some firing on U.N. peacekeepers there.  Any comment? 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’ll say that — what I’ve been saying about this: We have got to reach a ceasefire both as it relates to what’s happening in Lebanon and, of course, Gaza.  We are working around the clock in that regard.

But we need these wars to end, and we’ve got to definitely de-escalate what is happening in the region, and we’re working on it. 

     (Cross-talk.)

     Q    Madam Vice President, I have a question.  As a Latina, I want to know, what do you have to tell Latinos like me who hear Donald Trump saying that that our genes are bad and that we are bad for the country?  I would like to know what you — what you have to say to those Latinos —

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

     Q    — who are undecided and want to know what you think about that rhetoric about us.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I think that, to your point, Donald Trump has shown himself to be someone who thrives on trying to divide us as a nation and — and demean people, call people names.  And that’s not the sign of the character in someone that we want as president of the United States. 

He — we — we have so much more in common than what separates us as Americans.  And it is, I think, in the best interest of everyone to have a leader who measures their strength not based on who they beat down but on who they lift up, and that’s the kind of president I intend to be.

     Thank you all.

                               END                 3:40 P.M. PDT

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