Speeches and Remarks

People’s Light
Malvern, Pennsylvania

11:54 A.M. EDT

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Let’s get to it.

     MS. LONGWELL:  Let’s do it.  Let’s do it.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everyone.

     AUDIENCE:  Good morning.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Happy birthday!

     MS. LONGWELL:  Oh, happy belated birthday.  (Applause.)  Oh, yeah.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.  I appreciate that.  Thank you. 

     MS. LONGWELL:  Audience members showing me up — that’s tough.  (Laughter.)

Okay.  So, I’ve got to start with the thing that brings us here today, because I’ve got to say it is unusual for somebody who was as high up in the Republican leadership as Liz Cheney was to be out here campaigning with the Democratic nominee for president. 

And so, maybe — why don’t both of you tell us, but you start: You’ve actually marshaled unprecedented support from Republicans in this election.  Why do you think that is?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Sarah.  Thank you for being here and for your work.  And the congresswoman, thank you. 

I — I have said before and it must be repeated each time: There are moments in the history of our country which challenge us, each of us, to really decide do we stand for those things that we talk about, including, in particular, country over party.  And you have been extraordinarily courageous in the way that you have done that.  And I thank you for that.  (Applause.)

So, you know, I have in my career now — whether it was as the elected district attorney, elected attorney general, and then elected United States senator, and, of course, now vice president — I’ve counted that I have taken the oath of office six times.  And for the elected leaders here, we know it is an oath that one must take sincerely and unequivocally, which is an oath, among other things, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to understand what those principles represent and what they require of the individual who holds the office and the public trust.

And let’s not undervalue that point as well.  It is not about the individual.  It is not about what is in their personal interests.  It is about what is for and in the spirit of the public good.     

 And this is a moment in this election that presents a real contrast among how I, as one of the two nominees, and my opponent, the former president, think of that duty.  And it is a duty, by the way.  There are certain things in our lives that we have the choice if we feel like it — (laughter) — and then there are certain things that are just fundamentally a duty, like to raise our children.  Things of that nature.  It is a duty to take seriously that oath and do it for the sake of the public good and in the public trust.

And I think that at this moment, with the choice that the American people have in this election in — in two weeks and one day, this election is presenting — for the first time, probably, in certainly recent history — a very clear choice and difference between the two nominees.  And I think that is what, as much as anything, is bringing us, as Americans, together, who are understanding that we cannot, with such fundamental stakes being presented, afford to be mired in ideological differences without really staking our claim to the most fundamental ideals upon which our country stands.

MS. LONGWELL:  Thank you.  And, you know, Congresswoman Cheney, it’s a — sort of the same question to you.  But I got to ask: You know, it’s one thing for Republicans to sign a letter.  You know, we’ve seen that she has — Vice President Harris has been endorsed by 200 Republicans in the national security space, all kinds of people from George W. Bush’s administration.  There’s been a lot of people — they’ll sign letters and maybe they’ll go on T.V., they’ll release a statement.  I was just with Republican Congressman Charlie Dent — former Republican congressman here from the state.  He voted for you in his early voting. 

But you are out here campaigning.  You are out here holding events.  So, talk about why it’s been so important to you to be as involved as you are in getting Vice President Harris elected.

MS. CHENEY:  Well, thank you so much, Sarah, for the question.  And — and it’s an honor to be here today with you, Madam Vice President. 

     You know — (applause) —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

MS. CHENEY:  — for me, every — every single thing in — in my experience and in my background has — has played a part in my decision to endorse Vice President Harris. 

And, you know, that — that begins with the fact that I’m a conservative, and I know that the most conservative of all conservative principles is being faithful to the Constitution.  And you have to choose, in this race, between someone who has been faithful to the Constitution, who will be faithful, and Donald Trump, who it’s not just us predicting how he will act.  We watched what he did after the last election.  We watched what he did on January 6th.

And so, coming to this as someone who’s been a lifelong Republican, a lifelong conservative, also as someone who spent — I spent time working overseas before I was elected to Congress, and I’ve — I’ve spent time working in countries where people aren’t free and where people are struggling for their freedom, and I know how — how quickly democracies can unravel. 

And I know that, as Americans, we can become accustomed to thinking, “Well, we don’t have to worry about that here.”  But I tell you, again, as someone who has seen firsthand how quickly it can happen, that that is what’s on the ballot.  That’s absolutely what’s on the ballot.

I also — I come to this decision as a mother.  I have five children.  And there was a moment right after January 6th when my husband and I were having dinner with our two youngest, our two sons, and I looked across the table at my — my young sons, and I thought to myself, “You know, in the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol, are they going to grow up in a country where we don’t have to worry about the peaceful transfer of power?  Are they going to grow up in a country where that is guaranteed?”

And — and I believe that every one of us in this election has a duty and an obligation to do what we know is right for the country, and that’s to support Vice President Harris.  So, I’m very honored to be here and to do that.  (Applause.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

You know, if I can just echo the congresswoman’s point.  So, I’ve now, as vice president, met over 150 world leaders — presidents, prime ministers, chancellors, and kings — many of them multiple times, to the point we’re on a first-name basis.  And the last few times that I’ve seen them in the relative eve of this election, they are very concerned, our allies.  Because, as you know, when we walk in those rooms around the world representing the United States of America, we have traditionally been able to walk in those rooms chin up, shoulders back, with the self-appointed and earned authority to talk about the importance of democracies and rule of law.

But as all the role models here know, as a role model, people watch what you do to see if it lines up with what you say.  People around the world are watching this. 

And I — I tell you, sometimes I do fret a bit about whether we, as Americans, truly understand how important we are to the world.  I hope everyone does really understand that we represent something — imperfect though we certainly are; flawed though we may be — we represent, in terms of our ideals, the — the basis of our Constitution, we represent a gold standard. 

And when we have someone who has been president, who wants to be president again, who is saying he would be dictator on day one, would weaponize our Department of Justice — one of the principles of our democracy is that we say we have a justice system that is blind, that is not punitive against one’s enemies, they are watching.

So, this is about direct impact on the American people, and it most certainly will impact people around the world. 

MS. LONGWELL:  You know, I’m so glad you brought that up.  And I — I — as a follow-up, I would just ask Congressman Cheney too.  We live in a dangerous time.  I mean, I think Americans are watching what’s happening overseas in Ukraine, in Israel.  Republicans — we used to be the party that would be on the side of our democratic allies like Ukraine. 

Talk to me a little bit and all of us about why, from a foreign policy standpoint, you find yourself able to endorse Democrats, who w- — wouldn’t — it didn’t used to be that way.

MS. CHENEY:  Well, it — it’s not just able to endorse them.  But — but if you look at the numbers of the most senior officials who served Donald Trump — his own vice president; national security advisors; his chief of staff; you know, the — the leading generals who served him — who’ve all said he’s unfit, and people really need to stop and think about how completely unprecedented that is.

And the — the idea — when people sort of say, “Well, we might, you know, be tempted, for some reason or another, to vote for Donald Trump” — if the issue is foreign policy, I would just ask everyone: Think about how dangerous and damaging it is to have someone who’s totally erratic — totally erratic, completely unstable — someone who has aligned himself with, who idolizes tyrants.  He idolizes tyrants. 

You know, the — the — again, the choice here, with respect to national security policy, is a man who has proven — he has absolutely proven that he will not stand up, he won’t defend this nation with respect to our own Constitution and rule of law, and Vice President Harris, who has been clear in terms of support for Ukraine, in terms of recognizing and understanding across the board that America cannot maintain our own freedom and security if we walk away from our allies around the world. 

And our adversaries know that they can play Donald Trump.  They absolutely know that they can play him.  And we simply can’t afford to take that risk.

So, as someone who has spent a career on national security issues — again, this was not at all a difficult choice for me — the — the choice here is absolutely clear in terms of the necessity of supporting Vice President Harris.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And — and if I may emphasize, part of the backbone of our national security is our military.  And let’s please not overlook how someone who wants to be commander in chief and was has talked about our servicemen and women; has talked about an American hero like John McCain, who was a prisoner of war — said he didn’t respect him, didn’t like him because he got caught; has talked about our service members as — as though they are less than the most courageous of us. 

 Those who put on the uniform, who represent the United States of America, who are willing to die for the sake of everything we stand for, and he calls them “suckers” and “losers.”  These things cannot be overlooked. 

And — and I have said many times publicly, and I’ll say it again: In many, many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of him being president of the United States are brutally serious.  There are things that he says that will be the subject of skits and laughter and jokes, but words have meaning coming from someone who aspires to stand behind the seal of the president of the United States.  These are the things that are at stake.

     MS. LONGWELL:  Couldn’t agree more. 

So, I do want to ask you another question, though, before we go to the audience.  You know, you talk a lot about a new way forward.  You talk about turning the page.  What’s on the next page?  Talk to us about a —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You want a preview.

MS. LONGWELL:  Yeah.  Give me — a spoiler alert.  You know?  (Laughter.)  Just —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.

MS. LONGWELL:  — tell us — tell us what’s — what’s in the rest of the chapter.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, first of all, I will say that it — it is a metaphor that is meant to also describe my intention to embark on a new generation of leadership.  And needless to say, mine will not be a continuation of the Biden administration.  I bring to it my own ideas, my own experiences.

But it is also about moving past what, frankly, I think has been the last decade of — of the American discourse being influenced by Donald Trump in a way that has had the effect of suggesting we, as Americans, should point the finger at one another, in a way that has been using the power of the presidency to demean and to divide us.

I think people are exhausted with that, rightly.  And it, frankly, does not lead to the strength of our nation to tell the American people that we must be suspicious of one another, distrust one another.

You know, yesterday, I — I did a couple of church services, and there’s a — we — many people here know the — the parable of the Good Samaritan.  And there is an essence — a piece of that, in my own words, that really requires us, I think, to see in the face of a — of a stranger, to see a neighbor.  Right?  That spirit.  And I think we need to get back to that.

The spirit of the American people is such that, you know, we are an ambitious people.  We are aspirational.  We have dreams.  And that is productive. 

It is not productive of us to be a nation of people who are pointing fingers at one another, who don’t understand that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.

So, that’s what I mean about turning the page.  And then a new generation of leadership about being ambitious, about all we have yet to do. 

Part of my economic policy — I refer to it as an opportunity economy — is about investing in American industries while leaving none of our traditional, wonderful industries behind; repurposing and retooling the factories that have led to America’s success in industry, while at the same time redefining how we are thinking about which worker has the experience and skill to do the — the job and is qualified and understanding we shouldn’t be falling into a trap that suggests only those with a college degree have the skill or the experience to do the job.  So, let’s look at how we redefine and perhaps even reorder. 

And, in fact, I’m going to start with federal jobs, and then I’m going to challenge the private sector to do the same.  Let’s look at which of those jobs would benefit from a skilled, experienced worker who perhaps went through an apprenticeship program — not a four-year college, but still had a four-year degree, in essence.

     So, these are the kinds of things that are about seeing the opportunity of this moment and investing in it.

     I’ll tell you — and I know this is a controversial topic for many of us — I love Gen Z.  (Laughter.)  Because we have Gen Zs in our lives.  We have kids who are Gen Zs.  It can be complicated, I know.  I love Gen Z.

     These young leaders are so — they’re clear-eyed.  You know, they’ve only known the climate crisis.  They’ve only known active shooter drills.  I mean, we had fire drills.  Not — not our kids, right?

     But they also — they’re — they’re so wonderfully impatient — (laughter) — ri- — no, really, that’s good.  That’s good.  They are ready to get in there.  Let’s invest in them.  Let —

     So, for example, one of my — one piece of my opportunity economy is we got to deal with the reality of where we are right now.  The American dream, for previous generations, was something that people could kind of count on.  Not so much anymore, in terms of homeownership.  We have a housing shortage in America.  We have a supply shortage.

     So, part of my plan is, hey, let’s be clear-eyed about this moment.  Let’s invest in the future.  And as a — a devout public servant, I also know the limitations of government.  I want to work with the private sector.  I have, in my career.  The skills, the breadth, the depth of — of value in those active partnerships benefit us all.

     So, part of my plan for housing is to actively partner with building developers, with homebuilders to create tax credits to increase the supply of housing in America.  My estimate is — I think we can actually do it — by 3 million by the end of my first term.

     Part of my approach that is about a new generation, potentially, of leadership and certainly a different approach: Most of my career was not spent in Washington, D.C.  I say that with pride.  (Laughter.) 

     In that, you know, most of my career was spent as a prosecutor, but I — making decisions that had a direct impact on people’s lives.  You know, I learned at a very young age, as a prosecutor, that the things that I would do with the swipe of my pen could result in someone having their liberty or not.  

     When I was attorney general of California — which is, you know, by estimates, the fifth-largest economy in the world — I was acutely aware the words I spoke could move markets. 

     I like getting things done.  And part of my approach, which is, I think, about a new generation of leadership, is: Let’s cut through the red tape.  Let’s cut through the bureaucracy while still knowing the virtues of the work that we can do in the public sector, be it public education, public health, public safety.

     MS. LONGWELL:  This is a perfect segue into our first audience question, which is going to come from Alexandra Miller from Delaware County.  Main section, right — right there. 

     Hi, Alexandra. 

     Q    Hello.  Hello, Madam Vice President and Representative Cheney.

     MS. CHENEY:  Hi there.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi.

     Q    Thank you for taking my question today.  My name is Alex.  I have a 7-year-old son and a wonderful 72-year-old mother who is suffering from dementia and requires full-time care. 

     My son is in second grade, my mother is in a nursing home, and I work full time.  The costs of childcare and of eldercare are staggering.  But simultaneously, professionals that help care for both our children and our elders are generally underpaid, which makes it difficult for them to support their own families and do the jobs that they need to do. 

     How do you propose to help bridge this gap, making both child- and eldercare more affordable for hardworking families and also retaining and attracting quality talent for this — these essential jobs?

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, first of all, you’re dealing with a lot.  You’re dealing with a lot, and I just wish you strength and support.  You are a part of what we call the “sandwich generation,” which are those parents and children who are right in the middle.  They are taking care of their young children and taking care of their parents as they age.  And it’s a lot.

     And so, I actually plan to address this in a substantial way because I actually bring a personal experience to it as well.  I took care of my mother when she was sick, and that work is the work of trying to cook something that they feel like eating — right? — trying to figure out which clothes will not irritate their skin and help them put on a sweater.  It’s about trying to figure out how you can say something that brings a smile to their face or makes them laugh.  It’s about dignity. 

     Meanwhile, you have a second-grader.  You’re trying to teach that kid how to read — (laughter) — spending time with them, reminding them they are special and can be anything. 

     And in the middle of all of that, if you are working or just to have a minute to breathe, it’s a lot.  It’s a lot. 

     So, what — the way that this plays out for many people is — is one of just a couple of ways.  One, if you have the good fortune of having enough extra money, you can hire somebody to come in.  And then, exactly as you said, you — knowing what you just shared with us about yourself — would pay them the value of their work.  Or someone in this position would have to basically spend down all their savings so they could qualify for Medicaid, which means they pretty much have to get rid of everything.  Or they have to quit their job, which means one less income in their household. 

     And this is a matter — this issue, for me, is a matter of dignity — yours, your parents, and the well-being of your child and you being able to do what you naturally want to do, and which — and the thing that we should value in our society, which is someone like you who is taking on the duty and the responsibility of all of that. 

     So, my plan is that instead of those scenarios I just mapped out, we will restructure it so that Medicare covers the cost of in-home health care for your parent so that they can be at home — (applause) — and you can then have the assistance with someone who can help prepare that meal, help them get dressed, and you can still give that baby of yours all the love that they deserve.  And you can have sanity in the process.  And everyone can have dignity. 

     And so, this is — this is my approach, which is let’s just look at this as an — let’s just come at it from common sense, by the way.  It’s just common sense.  And what makes — what is a — a commonsense, practical approach to doing this, because when you are able to be productive, we all benefit, by the way.  When that child is able to have a parent who is able to help them with their reading and remind that child that they are special, we are all going to benefit from that. 

     So, thank you for raising the subject.  (Applause.)  And you take care of yourself.

     MS. LONGWELL:  Okay.  Next we’re going to call on Ashley Scott, speaking of Gen Z — although I guess I shouldn’t assume I know what generation she’s from, but she is a student from Bucks County.  Hi.

     Q    Hi, Vice President Harris and Congresswoman Cheney.  My name is Ashley Scott.  I’m from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and I am Gen Z.  I’m 22 years old.  (Laughter.)

     MS. LONGWELL:  Nailed it.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good for you.  (Laughs.)

     Q    So, thank you for that compliment.  But yeah, my question is about maternal health.  Specifically, in the United States, maternal mortality is devastating.  The rates are terrible.  And I was wondering if you have a plan to combat the crisis.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Ashley, and thank you for being here and your voice.  It’s a big issue.  So, we have the very, I think, shameful distinction of — of any wealthy nation having one of, if not the highest, rate of maternal mortality. 

     And I’ve studied this issue.  I worked on it was on — when I was in the United States Senate and as vice president.  And the fact is that 90 percent of them are preventable, which tells us we can do something about it, right? 

     And it is an issue — so, Black women are three to four times more likely to die in connection with childbirth; Native women are, like, twice as likely; rural women, one and a half times as likely. 

     One of the common threads that you will see in those demographic populations is a lack of appropriate prenatal care and then care during the term of their pregnancy and then postpartum care.  And we know that when that care is available, they are having a healthier and, by the way, happier experience.  And the long-term impact to all of us as a society, much less to that family, is immense. 

     And so, the work that we have been doing and the work I intend to do going forward is to address that, right?  So, for example, in rural America, the — the way that the system has been structured — the health care system has been structured is a lot of those hospitals and clinics have had to close because of the way we — we reimburse based on population size.  And as people are leaving rural America, then the hospitals and the clinics can’t afford the overhead. 

     I’m oversimplifying but just to make the point.  So, we need to address that in terms of how we’re structuring, how we create incentives and — and give the resources to those health care facilities, be they clinics or hospitals. 

     The other piece that we have to do is really just talk more about the issue around also how, in the health care system, we are treating women and are we taking women seriously when they talk about their health care concerns. 

     So, again, personal experience, my mother had two goals in her life: to raise her two daughters, my sister and I, and to end breast cancer.  My mother was a breast cancer researcher.  And she was so passionate about women’s health care, and I remember it as a young girl and throughout my life. 

     And we still have a lot of work to do to make sure that when she walks into that clinic, that doctor’s office, that hospital, that when — that she’s taken seriously.  And — and that’s also about what we do in terms of training within the profession.  It’s also about what we do in terms of public education to get information to women so that they know that they are not just complaining and they should not suppress or subordinate what their concerns might be about themselves because they’re taking care of everybody else. 

     So, there’s a lot of work to do.  And, of course, there’s a connection between this and what we need to do since the Dobbs decision came down, when we are looking at — I’ve met with a lot of, in particular, OB-GYNs who are concerned that there are kids going through — excuse me, young people going through their medical school who are now feeling deterred from engaging in reproductive health work. 

     And reproductive health work is vast.  It is not only about abortion; it is about a whole array of care.  And we want to make sure that we’re not creating disincentives for people to go into that very, very important profession. 

     And then we also want to make sure that we are, in the whole issue of reproductive care, not suggesting to women or the people who love them that they should be judged, because there is that also when you’re talking about reproductive care, where women sometimes are made to feel or do feel embarrassed to talk about their needs as it relates to their reproductive health.

     And then, of course, I feel very strongly the government should not be telling any woman what to do with her body.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  And when Congress passes a law reinstating the reproductive freedoms of women, I will gladly and proudly sign it into law, because I strongly believe one does not have to give up or abandon their own faith or beliefs to agree that — not the government telling her what to do.  If she chooses, she will consult with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government. 

     We’ve seen too much harm — real harm — happen to women and the people who love them around our country since that decision came down, including women who have died.  And I don’t think that most people who — before the Dobbs decision came down — who had strong opinions about this — I don’t think most people intended that the harm that we’ve seen would have actually happened.

     MS. CHENEY:  Can I add to this just to — because I — I think it’s such an important point.  And I think there are many of us around the country who have been pro-life but who have watched what’s going on in our states since the Dobbs decision and have watched state legislatures put in place laws that are resulting in women not getting the care they need. 

     And so, I think this — this is not an issue that we’re seeing break down across party lines —

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.

     MS. CHENEY:  — but I think we’re seeing people come together to say what has happened to women, when women are facing situations where they can’t get the care they need — where in places like Texas, for example, the attorney general is talking about suing — is suing to get access to women’s medical records — that’s not sustainable for us as — as a country, and — and it has to change.  (Applause.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  Yeah.

     MS. LONGWELL:  So, as we come close to time here, I want to ask you both kind of a final question.  You know, I — I watch the — the conversation in the country and the way that the media covers this election, and it’s often about the race: Who’s up in a poll?  Who’s down in a poll?  And I — I don’t always feel like we’re talking about the stakes enough. 

     And Liz Cheney would not be here if she didn’t think that the stakes were very high.  And frankly, the Republicans wouldn’t be so angry at you if they didn’t think you were an effective surrogate as somebody speaking about the stakes.  (Applause.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Some Republicans.  Some Republicans.

     MS. LONGWELL:  Some Republicans.  Some Republicans.  #NotAllRepublicans.  (Laughter.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because I’ve seen a lot of Republicans — just I’ve seen it and I know it happens — who thank her constantly. 

     MS. LONGWELL:  I — I know it.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  Yeah.

     MS. LONGWELL:  I know it.

     MS. CHENEY:  They’re going to vote the right way on November 5th. 

     MS. LONGWELL:  That’s right.

     MS. CHENEY:  They might not think public about it, but — but they’ll do what — what they know is right.  (Applause.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  I agree.  I agree.  I agree.

     MS. LONGWELL:  But just to close and — and maybe starting with you, Congresswoman, so you can have the last word.  Talk to me and all of us about the stakes.  Many people in the room here are undecided voters.  What’s — what’s kind of the last pitch that you would make about why this election is so important and why you believe they should vote for the vice president here?

     MS. CHENEY:  Well, I think that in this election, and especially here in Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to tell the whole world who we are.  And we have the chance to say, you know, we’re — we’re going to reject cruelty.  We’re going to reject the kind of vile vitriol that we’ve seen from Donald Trump.  We’re going to reject the misogyny that we’ve seen from Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.  (Applause.) 

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.

     MS. CHENEY:  And we have the chance in this race to elect somebody who you know is going to defend the rule of law.  You know Vice President Harris is going to defend our Constitution. 

     We have the chance to remind people that we are a good country.  We are a good and honorable people.  We are a great nation. 

     And — and in this race, we have the opportunity to vote for and support somebody you can count on. 

     We’re not always going to agree, but I know Vice President Harris will always do what she believes is right for this country.  She has a sincere heart, and that’s why I’m honored to be here and supporting her in this race.  (Applause.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I mean, I — exactly.  The — listen, so, in my career as a prosecutor — you’ve heard me say this — I — I never, ever asked a victim or a witness, “Are you a Republican or a Democrat?”  Never.  It wouldn’t have even occurred to me to ask them.  I did, every time, ask, “Are you okay?”

     And I — you know, and I feel very strongly that — for example, in — on the issue of partisanship, yes, we’re going to have disagreements, but I actively invite good ideas from wherever they come.  That’s why I’m going to have a Republican in my Cabinet, by the way — (applause) — because I want good ideas.

     And, by the way, I know it is in our best interest as a nation, in our — the interest of our strength and our future as a nation.  We need a healthy two-party system.  We need a healthy two-party system.  (Applause.)

     We need to be able to have these good, intense debates about issues that are grounded in fact.  (Laughter.)  How about that?

     MS. CHENEY:  Imagine.

.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Let’s start there.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

     Wow.  Can you believe that’s an applause line?  (Laughter.) 

     Oy.  But, you know, it’s — (laughter) — it’s — 

     We have in our grasp in these next 13 days — 13 days, we are — or 15 days, excuse me.  I — I’m just jumping ahead.  (Laughter.)  In these next 15 days, we have in our grasp the ability to determine the course of our country. 

     You know, every election, we’ve said, “This is the one.”  This is the one.  This truly is the one. 

     I mean, to the congresswoman’s point, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff referred to Donald Trump as being “fascist to the core.”  And no one would ever accuse the former chairman of being partisan in any way.  The people who know him best — from the former chief of staff; Defense secretaries, two of them; national security advisor to the former vice president.

     And so, we have in — in our grasp — because we still have a democracy.  As the saying goes, as long as we hold on to it, we still have a democracy, which means in a democracy — and here’s the beauty of it — we each have the power to make a decision about the future of our country through our vote.

     And my request, then, of each of you who have spent time out of your busy lives to be here — and I thank you for that — is please just help us get the word out to your neighbors and friends and family members to just remind them of what is at stake and this conversation. 

     I ask for your vote.  I ask for their votes.  And I promise to be a president for all Americans.  I promise and pledge that.  (Applause.)

     MS. LONGWELL:  All right, everyone.  Congresswoman Cheney and Vice President Kamala Harris.  Thank you so much. 

     Yes, let’s give them another round of applause.  That was wonderful.  (Applause.)

     Thank you so much.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.

     MS. LONGWELL:  Thank you.  (Applause.)

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The Rose Garden

Have any of you ever walked through a museum and wanted to touch one of the displays?

Have you ever heard a recording from years ago and suddenly it feels like you’re in that room—like the present and the past are coming together?

Have you ever seen a picture of someone famous, and it’s helped you understand that person a little better?

That’s what was on my mind when creating this updated White House tour.

Today, with you, we are unveiling a reimagined White House tour experience.

Thank you for joining me and welcome to the White House!

As a teacher for 40 years, I know that we all learn in different ways.

Some of us learn through hearing something. Some of us through seeing or feeling something.

So, we added dynamic, flexible, and tactile tools of learning that let you follow your curiosity.

Now, you can do all the things that you’ve always wanted to do in a museum.

We made replicas, so that you can feel the features of some of the sculptures’ faces and touch the shining fabric on the furniture in the Blue Room. 

You can now hear President Roosevelt’s fireside chats in the room in which he recorded them—so you can feel as if you are there beside him.

We added screens and information, so you can read about what you see in each of the rooms.

One of my favorite parts of this new tour is walking past those glowing pictures in the Colonnade, going around the corner, and coming to that model of the White House on the wall. 

It changes every couple seconds, so you can see all the renovations that have taken place over the years.

You may not know this, but the White House didn’t always have running water or electricity. So, they had to open up the walls and add it!

That’s what you’ll learn on this tour. The rendering tells you that story: who added each piece of the house and when.

Serving as your First Lady has been an honor.

Being able to bring friends into the house is special—and that’s what we’re doing today—sharing it with all of you.

So many people put months of hard work into this project.

I’m grateful to Paul Buccieri and the History Channel, the National Park Service, the White House curators and Executive Residence Staff, ESI Design, the White House Historical Association, and presidential libraries staff for all their work.

To preserve our history, we must teach it.

We learn from the wisdom of the past and weave it into our future. And, as you walk through this house, I hope you’ll feel the history here. It’s your history—and it lives in each of you, connecting you to those who have walked here before you and to each other.

One of the things that makes this house so special is that it belongs to the American people.

And as your First Lady, it’s been a privilege to share it with all of you and keep opening the doors wider and wider.

Thank you. 

Like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, the White House is a national park.

And I’m grateful to the National Park Service who work so hard to preserve and protect it for all of you.

They help make sure the White House is a place where you can be inspired and learn.

So, please help me welcome, National Park Service Director, Chuck Sams.

***

Thank you, Alysha.

Teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. And we can all see that you were called to this profession for a reason. I’m so glad you answered that call. 

I’m grateful to everyone here for spending some of your day with us—for being a part of this moment.

And after you leave here, keep telling the world what you learned here. Keep exploring new parts of our history—keep that wisdom with you as you shape the future of our nation. And maybe one day, we’ll see one of your portraits hanging here, watching over the next generation of students.

Thank you. And enjoy the new tour!

###

The post Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at the Unveiling of the Reimagined White House Public Tour appeared first on The White House.

Divine Faith Ministries International
Jonesboro, Georgia

1:47 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, church.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon.  Good afternoon. 

Please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  I will be brief, but please have a seat. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We are not going back.  No, we are not going back. 

Bishop Battle, I want to thank you for warmly receiving me and so many of us who — who joined you this afternoon — to thank you and the congregation and first lady for all the work that you are doing and for getting folks out to the polls today. 

I was — I’ve been in Georgia.  Today, I was — earlier, we were in fellowship and prayer with my pastor, who — who flew out from — from San Francisco, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco.  We were all together this morning. 

And I have to say that I do know that we have all been raised in the church to understand “faith” is a verb.  (Laughs.)  It is about what we know and can believe, despite what we see, but it also is something that is going to manifest itself in our actions, our deeds, and our service. 

And I know everyone here today and this afternoon is committed to doing just that, and this is an afternoon that is about faith in action.

And, Pastor, I have to say, there is so much at stake right now.  And when we think about how we have learned and have understood and lived the knowledge that ours is a loving God, and that we understand that for us to do good works, it means to do it in the spirit of understanding that our strength is not based on who we beat down, as some would try and suggest.  Our strength is based on who we lift up. 

And that spirit is very much at stake in these next 16 days, which is: Are we a country that honors, through our faith and our deeds, the importance of kindness; of — of support; of understanding the dignity in each other, the respect that we should have for each other? 

You know, we know, in terms of the parable of the Good Samaritan, that we have learned and should live a life where in the face of a stranger, we see a neighbor.  But that’s not what we see on the other side of this oqua- — equation in this election.  It is constantly about berating people and belittling people and name-calling. 

And I think we of faith, we who believe in our country and love our country, know that we each as individuals and as a community have the power to make decisions through these next 16 days that will be about a statement about what kind of country do we want to live in and is ours a country where the people will speak their word — the power of the people will make the statement that ours is a country that, fueled by our faith, is about doing things that are focused on what’s in the best interest of our children, our families; giving people the resources they need around assistance; helping people pull out of poverty — those who want to work hard, who are working hard, but deserve to be seen and uplifted.  And these are the issues in this election.

I offer as an example — one of the things that I am very focused on is what we need to do to take care of our elders, right?  (Applause.)

So, as a point of personal experience, I will share with you.  When my mother was sick — she passed away from cancer.  And I know this is “Pink Sunday” for many of us.  We’re — we’re acknowledging what we knew t- — need to do to fight breast cancer.

So, my mother, she — she actually did research in breast cancer, okay?  And she was one of the very few who actually — a woman of color who was doing this work. 

But when my mother was sick, I took care of her.  And for anyone who has taken care of an elder in your family — a parent, a grandparent — you know what that is.  It’s about trying to cook something that they’ll feel like eating.  It’s about trying to give them the clothes that won’t irritate their skin, to — to help them to put on a sweater.  It’s about trying to figure out something you can say that brings a smile to their face or gives them a reason to laugh.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity. 

So, part of how I think about what we need to do in the future of our country is really have policies that are about sharing and giving and recognizing dignity, which is why part of my plan is that instead of having you have to either leave your job to take care of an elder in your family or try to pull together the money to afford to bring somebody in or — worse yet — have to reduce all of your savings to qualify for Medicaid — I know what I’m talking about.  (Applause.) 

So, understanding it’s about dignity, part of my plan is that we are going to have Medicare co- — cover the cost of in-home health care for our seniors.  (Applause.)

And I could go on and on on the list of things that are about — from my perspective, and a lot of it my lived experience — about what kinds of policies a president of the United States should be leading and pushing that are rooted in recognizing the dignity in each one of us and the importance of lifting others up, especially those in need.  And as much as anything else, that’s what’s at stake in this election. 

And so, I thank you for all you are willing to do to continue to be leaders in this community, to get folks out to vote.  We have to remou- — we have to remind people the power they have, in spite of those that would try to diminish and make people feel powerless, in spite of those who would try and suggest that, “Oh, if you vote, nothing will happen.”  For sure, if you don’t vote, nothing will happen.  (Applause.)

I mean, recently, I was reminded: Jimmy Carter voted on his 100th birthday.  (Applause.)  Seems to me everybody can vote.  (Laughs.) 

But this work is so important because, in these next 16 days, with your help, I hope that we will continue to work on building back up community.  The church knows best how to do that.  Let’s build back up community. 

Let’s remind each other and perfect strangers we are all in this together.  We have so much more in common than what separates us. 

So, let’s reclaim that spirit for our country as we fight for the future, because we are not going back.  We are not going back.  (Applause.)

And my final point is to thank the great Stevie Wonder, because my — (applause) — you know, if one were to ever have a life dream — you know, people talk about a bucket list.  I think I have just checked off a whole big one — (laughter) — to have Stevie Wonder himself sing me “Happy Birthday.”  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  So, I am truly blessed.

MR. WONDER:  Madam Vice President, I just want to — want to — if they can just say —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh.

MR. WONDER:  (Singing.)  People, keep on voting.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Keep on voting!  People — I’m not going to sing in here.  (Laughs.)

AUDIENCE:  (Singing.) People, keep on voting.

MR. WONDER: (Singing.)  ‘Til we reach the higher ground.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  ‘Til we reach the higher ground.  (Laughs.)

MR. WONDER:  Yes!

BISHOP BATTLE:  Amen.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  All right.  Bishop, I’m going to give you back the mic.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

END                 1:55 P.M. EDT

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New Birth Baptist Church
Stonecrest, Georgia

10:46 A.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Good morning, church.  (Applause.)  Good morning, New Birth.  Good morning.  (Applause.)

Please — please have a seat.  Good morning.  Good morning, church.  (Applause.)

I’m so honored to be with you.  Thank you.  Thank you all.  (Applause.)  And everyone, good Sunday morning. 

Pastor —

AUDIENCE:  Happy birthday!  (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Okay, it’s Sunday morning.  It’s Sunday morning. 

And — and I — first of all, Pastor Bryant, I want to thank you.  You and I were reminiscing —

(The audience sings Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday”)

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

     (The crowd continues singing.)

Oh, my goodness.  Thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Oh, I’m so touched. 

Well, it is my great joy to celebrate my birthday with all of you here, and thank you for those warm and beautiful wishes.

Pastor Bryant, I thank you for your leadership.  You and I have discussed — we first met almost 20 years ago when there was a convening of rising stars in — in the country, and we had conversations back then about how we thought of our role and responsibility to our country and our responsibility and duty as leaders.  And it is so good to be with you this morning to celebrate what you have accomplished with this extraordinary congregation. 

And so, I’m honored to be here with everyone — (applause) — and thank you.  Thank you all, and please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  Thank you. 

So, before I begin, I will address the tragic incident that happened yesterday at Sapelo Island when a dock collapsed during what was to be a joyful celebration of history and culture.  And while we are still gathering information, we know that lives were lost and many were injured. 

And so, my heart, as I know for all of us, goes out to those who were impacted, and I thank all the first responders who acted so quickly.  And, of course, our administration has been in touch with state and local officials to offer any needed support.  And I know, on behalf of all of us here, that we pray for all of those who are affected.  (Applause.)

So, in times like this, we are reminded of the ties that bind us to each other and the importance of community — the importance of community.  And that is what I know New Birth church provides to so many people across Atlanta and beyond.

And so, Pastor Bryant, I thank you for your words and for your vision.  And in this election season, I also thank you for the time you have spent traveling our country to encourage people to register and to vote.  Because you know and we all know your parents, who gave so much and led such an honorable life, and — including, of course, among the leaders upon whose broad shoulders we stand — Congressman John Lewis — they — (applause) — they all knew, and by their example, they taught us that faith and good works go hand in hand. 

And that is especially true when it comes to protecting our sacred right to vote and getting souls to the polls, and I thank everyone for all you are doing in that regard. 

And I am truly honored to be in the presence of so many extraordinary leaders, including my pastor, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown of Third Baptist Church of San Francisco — (applause) — who you heard from earlier this morning — there he is, there he is — and whose wisdom, Dr. Brown, has guided me and just been a source of comfort and solace for me for so many years.

And I’m especially glad to be here on Pink Sunday.  (Applause.)  As some of you may know, my mother was a breast cancer researcher.  She was one of the very few women — and fewer even women of color — who was engaged in studying breast cancer.  And she had two goals in her life: to raise her two daughters — my sister Maya and me — and to end breast cancer.  It was her life’s work.  And so, today, of course, then has personal significance for me, just as I know it does for Pastor Bryant and — and so many of you here. 

And so, to everyone here today who knows what it means to support a loved one through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, and to those of you fighting your own battles, I am holding you close in my heart and in my prayers, and I thank you for your courage and your strength. 

So, all of this is to say it is so good to be here with everyone today and to worship with you.  And on this day, then, I am reminded, with everything that we reflect on, on the parable from the Gospel of Luke.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Preach!  (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, in the gospel, we are told of a man who traveled from the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.  And while traveling, he was attacked by robbers.  We remember he was beaten.  He was bloodied.  They left him for dead.  He was someone that should just be passed on by, maybe with a glance of pity but not more.

So, one person passed by, sees the man lying in his path, and walks around him, not wanting to be bothered or obstructed on the path that he decided to walk. 

A second man does the same. 

But then a Samaritan walks by.  He sees the man, and he stops.  The Samaritan bandages the stranger’s wounds, he brings him to an inn, gives him shelter and a hot meal, and he saves the man’s life. 

This parable, the parable of the Good Samaritan, teaches us to love thy neighbor as thyself.  (Applause.)

These words are simple.  We know them well.  It is an essential tenet and a pillar of our faith and that of so many others.  However, one must ask: Are all people of faith living those words?  Are all people of faith expressing those words in their actions?  Do we have leaders in place who understand that in the face of a stranger, one should see a neighbor?  (Applause.)

And I’ll tell you, I grew up in a church that took those words to heart.  As a little girl on Sundays, my sister Maya and I would go to 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California, where we sang in the children’s choir, we attended Sunday school, and where after church we would go to the basement and eat food prepared by loving hands — and where I first learned the teachings of the Bible. 

And my earliest memories of those teachings are about a loving God — a loving God — (applause) — a God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and the needy.

And for me, like for so many of us, church is then a place of growth and belonging and community, a place where we are reminded of the incredible power of faith and followship — and fellowship.  And in moments of difficulty and uncertainty, when the way is not clear, it is our faith that then guides us forward — faith in what we often cannot see but we know to be true.  Faith in what we cannot see but know to be true. 

And I say that because in this moment, across our nation, what we do see are some who try to deepen division among us, spread hate, sow fear, and cause chaos.  There are those who suggest that the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down instead of what we know, which is the true measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up.  (Applause.)

And this moment in our nation must be about so much more than partisan politics.  It must be about looking inward and being guided by our faith to know what brings hope and what is truly the best expression of our strength in the way that we reach out to each other with kindness and with love and with sincerity in that approach. 

This is a moment that is challenging us of faith to reflect on this moment in the context of our future.  We just applauded the young leaders who are here this morning, and I think so much of this moment in the context of them, our young leaders, and what they have a right to expect and what their faith teaches them, that gives them, rightly, a sense of hope about where they belong, who they are, and what they can be. 

And so, this is a moment that is challenging, I think, our fundamental values and challenging us as Americans and as people of faith.  And as the Good Samaritan reminds us, it is not enough to preach the values of compassion and respect.  We must live them.  (Applause.)

Faith is a verb.  Faith is a verb.  We show it in action, in our deeds and in our service.  Here in Georgia, we’ve seen it playing out in real time in just the last many weeks, where communities have come together in the wake of Hurricane Helene. 

Right here in the Atlanta area, I saw the story of a reporter who was outside covering the storm live on television when he heard some screams, he dropped everything and waded into chest-deep water to rescue a woman trapped in her car, carrying her on his back to safety. 

In a town a few hours from here, one mother and her children lost power for days.  And as soon as it was restored, they started a relief drive, distributing food, water, and supplies, and opened their home to neighbors in need of laundry or a hot shower. 

On a visit recently to Augusta, I met people who themselves had experienced extraordinary loss and devastation, many who did not have electricity or running water.  Yet, every day, they left their homes to go to relief centers to help perfect strangers. 

So, what we have seen here in Georgia and in other states is faith in action, individuals who know their power to shed light in a moment of darkness.

We have seen the Good Samaritans walking among us.  And for that reason, I say, as the scripture tells us, we then must remember that and not be weary.  Let us not be weary in moments like this.  Let us focus on what God shows us about the Good Samaritans walking among us to remind us of the power, the agency, the ability, and, dare I say, the duty that we have to come to another’s aid in moments of need, to love thy neighbor. 

 And what God is showing us is that any of us can do that, no matter who we are.  And I know — and I — and I learned this at a young age.  (Applause.)  And actually, I’ll share with you a quick story. 

So, during my final year of — of law school, I was a summer intern in the DA’s office in Oakland, California, and I was working in the superior courthouse.  And there was this one case that I got, and it was — it involved a drug bust.  And the police had arrested a number of people, including an innocent bystander — a woman who had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

And when I got the case, it was a late Friday afternoon, and most folks had gone home for the weekend, and I knew, in all likelihood, the judge would probably not see her case until that following Monday, which would have meant that she would have had to spend the whole weekend in jail. 

Now, this woman had children.  She is a mother.  She had children at home, and I wondered if they even knew that their mother had been arrested, who would take care of them if she could not.  Would Child Protective Services come and take those children?  Everything was on the line for that woman.

So, I rushed to the clerk of the court and asked them to have the case called that day.  And then, when that did not work, I pleaded with them.  Remember, I was not vice president.  I was an intern.  (Laughter.)  So, yes, I pleaded.

And finally, the judge returned to the bench and reviewed her case and, with a pound of his gavel, she was free to go home, and she would go home to see her children and take care of them.  (Applause.) 

And I never did get the chance to meet that woman, but I will never forget that moment.  And I share that story to say that we have all in our lives, from the earliest stages of our lives, had those moments where it has been revealed to us our power.  And we should never let anyone take our power from us — (applause) — or in any way try to convince us we are powerless. 

And so, I say, as we move forward, let us look at where we are and understand the lesson of the Gospel of Luke, because right now, each of us has an opportunity to make a difference.  In this moment, our country is at a crossroads and where we go from here is up to us as Americans and as people of faith. 

And now we ask a question.  We face this question.  What kind of country do we want to live in — a country of chaos, fear, and hate or a country of freedom, compassion, and justice?  (Applause.)

And the great thing about living in a democracy is that we, the people, have the power to answer that question.  So, let us answer not just through our words but through our action and with our votes. 

When we come across our brothers and sisters in need, let us, as the Good Samaritan did, see in the face of a stranger a neighbor.  And let us recognize that when we shine the light in moments of darkness, it will guide our feet into the path of peace. 

And let us remember that while weeping may endure for a night — (applause) — joy cometh in the morning.

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

 Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

                             END                11:04 A.M. EDT

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East Room

THE FIRST LADY:  Standing here with you, so many friends and colleagues and my family, I feel joy etching itself onto my heart.  We’ve done — all of us — we have done something momentous.  Something that — (applause) — something that, at times, seemed like it might not even be possible.  But together, with time and commitment and creativity, we did.

Tonight, I’m thrilled to be with all of you to celebrate tomorrow’s unveiling of the re-imagined White House tour. 

We — (applause) — we come together in the same room where President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, where President Reagan met with Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev, where President Lincoln lay in state.  And I can never come into this room without reliving the memory of celebrating our granddaughter’s wedding here.

So, when you walk these halls, you can almost feel history wrapped around you.  Each floorboard holds the echoes of footsteps of world leaders and guests from decades before.  Each pillar, the weight of decisions that have rippled across time.  Each piece of art, the memory of the person who created it.

But until today, if you looked around these walls, you might not know any of that. 

Education is my life’s work, and I know that there are three kinds of learners: visual, auditory, and tactile.

The White House tour now lets visitors touch, hear, and see their history up close.  They’ll walk past the vibrant digital photos in the East Colonnade, a living timeline changing to meet the day’s events.  They’ll arrive at the 3D model of the White House and watch as centuries unfold before their eyes.

And we’re inviting visitors further into the rooms than ever before — and including the Diplomatic Reception Room, which hasn’t been open to public tours before this. 

As they walk through the house, visitols w- — visitors will learn about all the people who have been a part of history and its stories, like the sculptors — six brothers, immigrants from Italy, who found a home on our shores, who crafted the molding of this room — and the enslaved African Americans who were part of building this house.

Visitors will now be able to learn about all those stories contained in these halls. 

To Paul Buccieri and everyone at the History Channel, you made this possible.  (Applause.)  You found the right team, and you moved at lightning speed.  And I’m so grateful for your commitment to this partnership.

To the National Park Service that helps make this park the incredible place it can be; the White House curators and the White House Historical Association, who preserve our history; ESI Design, who made this idea into a reality; and presiden- –presidential libraries and countless more staff and partners who came together and brought their expertise to this project, your work will be imprinted on every guest who tours this house.

And to Blair Downing, our chief usher, you — (applause) — you and the exceptional Executive Residence team make this house a home.  So, thank you. 

Because of all of your hard work, we can now see the history of this house and also its future.

The little girl grabbing her dad’s hand to point out her favorite detail of the Green Room, the educator who will bring notes back to his class on how our democracy was shaped, the grandmother who will share memories of the presidents of her childhood with her grandchildren.

While tonight is the end of one part of our work, it’s only the beginning of this new chapter of White House public tours.  I hope this experience that visitors will get here will continue to grow and change so that we can keep teaching the world more about our history.

It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your First Lady and to call this house home.

The White House belongs to the American people, and together, we’ve opened its doors wider and wider. 

So, please enjoy this evening.  We are here to celebrate you.  Thank you for making time for being here.  (Applause.)

And now it’s my honor to introduce the 46th president, my husband, Joe Biden.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)

Hello, everyone.  My name is Joe Biden.  I’m Jill’s husband.  (Laughter.)

And, you know, when we were set up on a blind date by my youngest brother, he said, “You’ll love her, Joe.  She’s not interested in politics.”  (Laughter.)  That was 400 years ago.  (Laughter.)

Well, I, too, want to thank the History Channel and the National Park Service and the White House curators and Executive Residence Staff, you know, ES- — the ESI Design and White House Historical Association, and the presidential libraries staff. 

By the way, every time they play “Hail to the Chief” — it took me two years — they’d start to play it — swear to God –I’d look around like, “Where the hell is he?”  (Laughter.)  You think I’m kidding.  I’m not.  (Laughter.)  I’m not.

You all have helped history come to life. 

Jill said countless times, being an educator is not j- — what she does, it’s who she is. 

Ashley, do you doubt it now?  Stand up.  I want you — to introduce my daughter, Ashley.  (Applause.)

Ashley is the life of my — the love of my life and the life of my love.

And, look, the first lady is to work full time — the first one ever to work full time.  And I’ve seen her stay up late grading papers and planning trips and the first lady — around her obligations as Dr. B. 

But — so, it’s no surprise to me that one of her signature efforts is making the White House an inspirational educational opportunity for everybody.

You know, to us, the White House is not just a home, it’s a p- — or a place of work.  It really is.  And we’ve been — been — and as — as David kno- — it’s been — it’s the People’s House.  We’re just temporary renters. 

And that why I’ve used our time in office to open the doors of the White House even more than its ever been, I’m told.  We’ll open the doors of possibilities for all Americans.  And that’s what this entire project is all about — for people to feel it, to taste it, to see it, to understand the — the nuances. 

You know, we’re grateful to all of you here tonight for helping to make it happen and to make sure we learn the good, the bad, the truth of who we are as a people.

In America, we don’t erase history, we celebrate history.  And that’s what great nations do, and we’re a great nation — in my view, the greatest nation on Earth.  We inspire future generations to write the next chapter of that history in our journey — America’s journey.

Let me close with this.  Eavan Boland was a daughter of Ireland and made a career as a poet here in America.  She once wrote, “Remind us again, now that history changes, that it belongs to us.  It belongs to all of us.”  “To all of us.”

So, a toast — I know I’m giving a toast, but I don’t know a glass is —

THE FIRST LADY:  There it is.  Right there.  (Laughter.)

Thank you.

There’s yours.

THE PRESIDENT:  There you go.

A toast to Jill and to all of you.  And the history of the White House belongs to all Americans. 

Cheers.  And God bless you all.

(The president offers a toast.)

Enjoy your meal.  (Applause.)

The post Remarks by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at a Dinner Celebrating the New Enhanced and Expanded White House Public Tour appeared first on The White House.

Western International High School
Detroit, Michigan

2:21 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Are we going to do this?  (Applause.)  Yes! 

Hey, Detroit.  Macsen, thank you so much. 

Hey, Detroit.  (Applause.)  Are we ready to get out there and get everyone to vote?  (Inaudible.)  And the mic is not on.  Now it’s on.  (Applause.)

Hey, Detroit, are we ready?  (Applause.)  Yes, we are.  So, before I came out, my team was telling me, and I was talking to some members of the press, and they said, “Hey, since early voting has started” —

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can you hear me? 

     AUDIENCE:  Yes.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You can hear me.  They can’t hear me.

Okay.  I’m going to — I did- — I didn’t want to have to stand right here.  Okay.  Can you hear me now?  Okay.  (Applause.)  There we go.

So, my team was telling me — so, you know, Georgia started early voting, and they broke historic records in early voting.  North Carolina started early voting, broke historic records in North Carolina.  (Applause.)

Now, who is the capital of producing records?  (Applause.)  So, we are going to break some records here in Detroit today.  (Applause.)  Yes, we are. 

We are going to do this because we know what is at stake, and we know the power of the people.  (Applause.)  This is about the power of the people.  This is about knowing each one of us as an individual and as a collective, as a community, as a coalition, we have the power to make the decisions about the direction of our country, and we know this election is about two very different visions for our future.  Ours, focused on the future, focused on our young leaders, focused on possibility, understanding the ambitions and the aspirations and the dreams of the American people — (applause) — understanding, like the people of Detroit, we have grit, we have excellence, we have history.  (Applause.)

And it’s about looking in the face of a perfect stranger and seeing a neighbor and understanding we are all in this together.  We all have so much more in common than what separates us, and we are going to fight for this country we love.  We are in this to win it.  (Applause.)

And we know, look, the race is tight.  It’s going to be hard work, but we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work.  And we will win.  (Applause.)  And we will win.

So, you all are here taking time out of your busy lives and all your other obligations, and I thank you so very much.  And I know — and — and I know what today is.  We’re here because this is a working day.  We’re ready to get out there.  We’re ready to walk the neighborhood.  We are ready to talk with our neighbors and our friends and just the people that we see and remind them they are important and that we are so optimistic about our new generation of leadership for America and what we will do together that is about investing in working people, in middle-class people, in our children; what we do in terms of caring about the education of our children, which is why we’re not falling for the other guy trying to get rid of the Department of Education and Head Start — (applause) — because we know what we stand for.  We stand for the idea that the true measure of the strength of a leader is not based on who you beat down, it’s on who you lift up.  (Applause.)

And these are the things that we stand for as a community of people that understand the importance of caring and kindness, who understand the importance of having a leader who speaks truth and is not so self-consumed.

You know, I keep talking about somebody needs to just watch his rallies if you’re not really sure how to vote — (laughter) — because he spends full time talking about himselves and mythical characters, not talking about the working people, not talking about you, not talking about lifting you up.

And so, as we spend these next 17 days, we’re going to go vote today; we’re going to remind people to vote; we’re going to register folks to vote; we’re going to email, text, phone call, knock on doors — (applause); and we’re going to remind people of what is at stake.

And with that, I want to thank incredible leaders from Michigan who are here: the lieutenant governor, Garlin Gilchrist.  (Applause.)  He always stands above the crowd.  (Laughs.)  We have Representative Slotkin, who is here, who we will send to the Senate in November.  (Applause.)  Representative Thanedar, who is here; Wayne County Executive Evans; Mayor Duggan; and all of the national labor union presidents who are here.  (Applause.)  And let’s not forget the most phenomenal Lizzo.  (Applause.)

So, to everyone who is here, I’m not going to spend any more time on the stage, because we got work to do.  We have 17 days to get this done, and we’re not going to be able — we’re never going to — we’re not going to be able to get these 17 days back. 

And what I think we all know is on Election Day, we don’t want to have any regrets about what we could have done these next 17 days.  And on November 5th, and at the end of that day, we’re going to look at each other, and we’re going to say, “Yes, the power was with the people, and we made a difference.” 

 And that’s the beauty of who we are as a nation.  We know we can make a difference because the power is with the people.  (Applause.)

God bless you.  Thank you.  I’ll see you out there.  Thank you all.  (Applause.)

                             END                2:28 P.M. EDT

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Lakewood Amphitheatre
Atlanta, Georgia

6:48 P.M. EDT

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

     Can we give it up for Tyler?  (Applause.)

     AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hey, everybody. 

     AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, thank you. 

     AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

All right.  We got some work to do.  All right.  Thank you.  It is so good to be back in Atlanta.  Thank you all.  (Applause.)

Oh, my goodness.  It is so good to be back.  And I want to thank all of the incredible leaders who are here.  I want to thank everyone for being here when there are so many things that you have to do with your time, and to taking the time to be here and for us to be here as community, building coalition, being together means the world. 

This is what our campaign is about.  Our campaign is about the people.  (Applause.)  Our campaign is about the people. 

And I want to thank Senator Ossoff, who is here — (applause); Atlanta’s own, Representative Nikema Williams — (applause).  And the many members of the Congressional Black Caucus who are here today, I thank you.  (Applause.)  Mayor Dickens, thank you.  Every time I come, you meet me on the tarmac.  (Applause.)  My pastor, who is here, Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown, of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, I thank you.  (Applause.)  And, of course, Ursher — (laughs) — Usher.  (Laughter and applause.)  I got you.  (Laughs.)

And so, I thank you all, everybody, for taking the time to be here together.  And before —

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!  (Applause.)

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you all.

 Okay.  So, before I continue, let me just say, on a serious note, there are people here in Georgia still dealing with the devastation from Hurricane Helene, and I am grateful to all the federal, state, and local personnel who have been working around the clock to help those who are impacted.  (Applause.)

As we know, this recovery will take time, and we will stand with Georgia and everyone across the Southeast who are impacted by these recent storms for as long as it takes to rebuild.  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

All right.  So, Atlanta, we have 17 days left — (applause) — 17 days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.  And, look, let’s have some real talk.  It’s going to be a tight race until the very end.  (Applause.)  And we are the underdog, and we are running as the underdog.  But make no mistake, we will win.  (Applause.) 

     We will win.  Yes, we will.  We will win.  Yes, we will.

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Addressing an audience member.)  You got the old school!

And we will win — and we will win because we understand what is at stake.  This election is about two very different visions for our nation: one, Donald Trump’s, who is focused on the past —

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and ours that is focused on the future.  (Applause.)  Ours that is focused on bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs. 

By the way, I love our small businesses.  Can I see the small business leaders and entrepreneurs who are here?  (Applause.)

 I’m telling you, our small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy.  I thank you all.

And we are here because we are committed to protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)

But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump.  Instead, it is just the same old, tired playbook over and over again.  (Applause.)  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people.  He is only focused on himself.  And now he’s ducking debates —

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and canceling interviews because of exhaustion. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And when he does answer a question or speak at a rally, have you noticed he tends to go off script and ramble?  (Applause.)  And generally, for the life of him, cannot finish a thought.  (Laughter.)  And he has called it the “weave.”  (Laughter.)  But I think we here would call it nonsense.  (Laughter and applause.)

So, folks, for these reasons and more, it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It’s time to turn the page.  And America is ready to chart a new way forward.  (Applause.)  We are ready.  We are ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership.  (Applause.)  All of you.  All of you.  All of you.  Which is why Democrats, Republicans, and independents are supporting our campaign.  (Applause.)

In fact, earlier this week, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country joined me on the campaign trail — (applause) — including some who worked in Donald Trump’s administration.  And I believe, as I travel our country, Americans really want a president who works for all the American people — (applause) — all the American people — who understands that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.  Right?

Folks are exhausted with someone trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other.  It’s ex- — we’re exhausted with it.  That’s why I say it’s time to turn the page on that.  Let’s turn the page — (applause) — and have a president who cares about all the people. 

And you all know I’ve only ever, in my career, had one client: the people.  (Applause.)  The people. 

     As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children.  As attorney general of California, I fought for students and veterans.  As vice president, I have stood up for workers and seniors.  (Applause.)  And as president, I will fight for all the American people.  (Applause.)  And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.

Together, we will build a brighter future that includes what I call an opportunity economy — (applause) — so that every American has the opportunity to own a home, to build wealth, to start a business.

And to build that opportunity economy, we’ve got to bring down the cost of living — (applause) — because while inflation is down and wages are up, prices are still h- — too high.  You know it, and I know it.

And so, I have laid out a comprehensive plan to lower the costs that you pay on everything from prescription medication to groceries, and this will be my focus every single day as president of the United States.  (Applause.)

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 a child’s life.  And I’m going to tell you why: Because we all know young parents have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources to do it.  And we, as a community, need to understand they are the children of the community, and it is in our collective best interest to make sure that they have the resources they need during that critical phase of a child’s development to buy a crib, to buy a car seat, to buy what that child needs during that critical stage of life. 

That’s the kind of leadership that we believe in in America.  (Applause.)   

I have a pr- — a plan to bring down the cost of housing by building more homes and taking on those corporate landlords who are unfairly buying up properties and increasing rental prices.  (Applause.)  We know what’s happening. 

My plan will lower the cost of starting a small business, including by increasing the tax deduction for entrepreneurs from $5,000 to $50,000 — (applause) — knowing that our small-business owners are civic leaders as much as they are business leaders.  They mentor.  They hire locally.  They are part of the cultural fabric of our communities and deserve to be lifted up in every way. 

Under my opportunity economy, I have a plan to lower health costs and health care costs for people as they age so they can grow old with dignity and so their families are not financially crushed by the cost of home care.  (Applause.) 

Because, look, let me tell you — you all may know this; it’s a personal story — I helped take care of my mother when she was sick.  I took care of my mother when she was sick.  And for any of you who is taking care of an elder relative, you know that’s about love and it’s about care.  It’s about trying to cook something for them that they feel like eating.  It’s about trying to help them put on clothes that won’t irritate their skin, help them put on a sweater.  It’s about, from time to time, trying to think of something that will put a smile on their face or make them laugh.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity. 

But what we know is that right now we have so many people who are doing that and raising small children at the same time.  We call it the sandwich generation.  And unless you got a lot of money to be able to hire somebody to help, then folks are looking at the potential of having to leave their job, which is losing a source of income or — worse even — having to spend down whatever might be their savings to be able to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s not right.  That’s not right.  (Applause.)

So, my plan includes allowing Medicare to cover the cost of home health care for our seniors.  (Applause.)  It’s a matter of dignity — dignity.

And so, I share some of these details with you to just let you know what you already know: I will always put the middle class and working families first.  (Applause.)  I always will. 

I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)  I will never forget where I come from.

Now, Donald Trump —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You know here I go.  Now, Donald Trump, well, he has a different plan.  Just google Project 2025.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now, I say it every time, but I just have to say again.  Can you believe they put that thing in writing?  (Laughter.)  They put it in writing.  They published it.  They bound it and handed it out. 

And when you read it, you know it is a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what Donald Trump will do if he is elected president.

Donald Trump — Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts.  Like he did it last time, he would do it again. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He would cut Social Security and Medicare.  He would get rid of the thing we all fought so hard for: that $35-a-month cap on insulin for our seniors.  (Applause.)

Read that plan and you’ll see they’ll make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And impose — he will impose what I call a Trump sales tax, because he has an intention of putting an at least 20 percent tax on everyday necessities, which economists have estimated would cost the average person more than $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:  — with no plan to replace it.

Oh, y’all watched the debate.  (Laughs.)  He has, quote —

AUDIENCE:  Concepts of a plan.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — “concepts of a plan.”

So, you all know and you’ve heard me say, look, I think and I do believe Donald Trump is an unserious man, and the consequences of him ever being again in the White House are brutally serious — brutally serious.  Because, think about it, the man is going to threaten the health insurance of 45 million Americans based on a concept and take us back to when insurance companies had the power to deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was?

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. 

We’re not going back.

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 are working and intend to move forward.

     AUDIENCE:  Forward!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Forward, because ours is a fight for the future.  (Applause.) 

And it is a fight for freedom — (applause) — 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 know how we got here.  Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended.  And now, in America, more than one in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban.

Today, except for Virginia, every state in the South, including Georgia, has a Trump ban, many with no exceptions even for rape or incest, which is telling a survivor of a violation to their body they have no right to make a decision about what happens to their 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 — (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. 

So, look, we all know this is a health care crisis.  This is not something theoretical.  This is not just about a political conversation.  It’s very real, and Donald Trump is the architect. 

Women are being denied care during miscarriages, some only being treated once they develop sepsis, and tragically, because of these bans, some women have even died. 

Let me show you what I’m talking about.  Roll the clip.

     (A video clip is played.)  (Applause.) 

So, I — here’s the thing that — that you got to understand, and I think everyone is following this.  Donald Trump still refuses to take accountability — to take any accountability for the pain and the suffering he has caused, or even to just acknowledge the pain and suffering that has actually happened.

In a Fox town hall earlier this week, he even mocked Amber’s family for sharing their story. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Play the clip.

     (A video clip is played.)

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You know, we — we talk and we care about things like dignity.  We understand that the real —

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, I hear you.  But, you know, the thing i- — you know what?  The court is going to take care of that.  We’re going to take care of November.  (Applause.)  Right?  We’re going to take care of November.  We’re going to take care of November.

But — but here’s the thing.  Here’s the thing.  Here’s the thing.  A grieving family — a grieving family sharing the memory of their daughter with our nation — where is the compassion? 

You know, part of what’s wrong with what’s been happening in this so-called Trump era is that there’s this backward notion that somehow the measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you beat down, instead of what we know, which is that the real measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up.  (Applause.)  It’s based on who you lift up. 

And what we see continually from Donald Trump is exactly what that clip shows.  He belittles their sorrow, making it about himself and his television ratings.  It is cruel. 

And, listen, I promised Amber’s mother that we will always remember her story and speak her name: Amber Nicole Thurman. 

     AUDIENCE:  Amber Nicole Thurman.  Amber Nicole Thurman.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Amber Nicole Thurman.  And Amber’s family, including her parents, Shanette and Andre, are here with us tonight.  (Applause.)  And in front of all the friends here, I thank them both for their courage and their strength, and it is my pledge to the family — (applause) — there she is.  There she is.  And I have pledged to the family — it is my pledge to everybody here: When Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom nationwide, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  I will proudly sign it into law. 

So, there’s so much at stake.  And, you know, I’m traveling the country, and everybody here knows, across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms and rights — like right here in Georgia, the freedom to vote — (applause); the freedom we are seeing in so many places in our country, an attack on the freedom to be safe from gun violence; the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So, so much is on the line in this election.  And this election is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher for obvious reasons, including because just a few months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president he is effectively immune no matter what he does in the White House. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  But — and just think about this — right? — so, before that ruling just a few months ago, at least there was some possibility of threat of consequence for misbehavior — right? — for breaking the law.  But just imagine now Donald Trump with no guardrails — he who has vowed that he will be a dictator on day one; he who calls Americans who disagree with him the “enemy from within.” 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Understand where that comes from in history.  And says he would use the American military to go after American citizens. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

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

And let us be very clear: Someone who suggests that 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, Georgia, it comes down to this.  We are all here together because we know what is at stake.  We are all here together because we love our country.  (Applause.)  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.  That’s what this is about.  This is about a fight for the promise of America.  (Applause.)  Right?  Right.

And the extraordinary, great Congressman John Lewis reminded us that democracy is not a state; it is an act.  It is an act. 

So, Georgia, now is our time to act.  The baton is in our hands.  Election Day is in 17 days, and early voting has already started.  (Applause.)

You guys are setting some records, by the way.  And so, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  Make your plan.  Go to IWillVote.com and get all the information you need.  And if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it right away. 

 And you know, Georgia’s own president, Jimmy Carter, voted early.  (Applause.)  Bless him.  Just days after his 100th birthday. 

So, look, if Jimmy Carter can vote early, you can too.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  

Because, folks, the election is here.  It’s here.  And I need you to continue to do what you do so well.  Let’s continue to energize.  Let’s continue to organize.  Let’s continue to mobilize.  And let’s remind folks that your vote is your voice and your voice is your power. 

And so, Georgia, 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.  (Applause.)

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

                             END                7:18 P.M. EDT

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Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
Detroit, Michigan

1:08 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Good afternoon.  Well, it’s good to be back in Detroit, and so we’re here back today to thank all the folks for the work that they are doing to help organize, register people to vote, and get them out to vote.  And today, early voting begins in Detroit. 

So, it is good to be back here and — and, obviously, to be in a great American city and to applaud it for being just that: a great American city with a lot of hardworking folks who have grit and ambition and deserve to be respected for all of that. 

And then, on Monday, I will be headed to Pennsylvania, to Michigan, and Wisconsin to spend some time with a great American leader, Liz Cheney, and talk with folks about why it’s important for us to — to put country before party and value the very important foundational principles on — that we stand on, in terms of particular — respecting and upholding the Constitution of the United States and — and the rule of law and the importance of having a president in the White House who actually understands their job and is fit to serve. 

So, with that, I’ll take any questions.

Q    On early voting. 

AIDE:  Chris with the AP.

Q    On early voting.  Are you concerned that Republicans are cutting the Democratic strength for early voting, and what are you seeing in the numbers now and how do you feel about them?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, what I’m hearing is that we’re seeing record turnout.  What I’m hearing is that in Georgia, for example, we’re beating all records in terms of early voting, and in North Carolina.  And in fact, today in Michigan, I’m going to challenge the folks here to do the same. 

So, you know, I don’t — I don’t yet have enough data to tell you who’s voting for who and — or how they’re leaning, but I think it’s great that people are turning out and voting and being active.  I — it’s what we should all want — right? — in our democracy, that people understand it’s their civic duty, but also that they can make a difference. 

Q    Vice President Harris —

AIDE:  And we’ll go to Nancy at Bloomberg, right here.

Q    Thank you. 

AIDE:  Yep.

Q    I wonder what you think of Elon Musk just getting increasingly involved in the election, both through his financial contributions to Trump’s super PAC, but also holding campaign events, attending rallies.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I mean, listen, I think that the most important thing that any one of us could do right now is pay attention to the issues that are at stake, and there’s a lot at stake. 

We are looking at — as I say repeatedly, because it is true — two very different visions for our country.  And Donald Trump has proven himself to be increasingly unstable and unfit, and he’s trying to take us backward. 

He is someone who demeans the American people, who has no actual plan for uplifting the middle class, no actual plan that is about any sense of optimism in who the American people are and what we are capable of doing.  And I think that that’s really what’s most important in these remaining — I believe it’s 17 days of the election, which is focusing on the issues themselves and reminding the American people they not only have a choice, but they have the power to decide the future of our country through this election.

Q    Madam —

AIDE:  We’ll go to Andrea right here.

Q    Hi.

AIDE:  Reuters. 

Q    So, yesterday, you called out Assad Turfe, one of the elected —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.

Q    — officials here, an Arab American.  He’s faced a tremendous backlash since you mentioned his name at the rally, and obviously there’s a lot of churn and turmoil within the Arab American and Muslim communities here in Michigan. 

Do you think you could lose the election because of Gaza?  And what — you know, overnight, there were more strikes.  Thirty-two more people were killed in Gaza, some in hospitals.  You know, how risky is it that you could lose the election?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, it is undeniable that it is something that everyone is aware of — what is happening there.  I speak publicly all the time about the fact that there are so many tragic stories coming from Gaza. 

And, of course, the first in this phase of everything that has happened, the first and most tragic story is October 7th and what happened that day, and then what has happened since. 

And I think what’s critically important as we look at this moment is, one, acknowledging the tragedy of what has happened in Gaza in terms of the extraordinary number of innocent Palestinians who have been killed and taking that seriously and speaking truth about that, in addition, of course, to what I said about what happened on October 7, in terms of 1,200 innocent Israelis being slaughtered, women being horribly raped.

And then fast-forwarding to today, with the killing of Sinwar, this creates an opening that I believe we must take full advantage of to dedicate ourselves to ending this war and bringing the hostages home. 

Q    But it’s not working so far. 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You know what?  Listen, as it relates to the issues in the Middle East and in particular in that region, it has never been easy, but that doesn’t mean we give up.  Okay?  It is always going to be difficult.  It does not mean we give up.  We can’t give up. 

Q    Madam — Madam —

AIDE:  We have time for one more from Tamara at NPR.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Sure.

Q    You’ve been doing some more, sort of, Trump “rapid response,” I’d describe it — you know, responding to him in near real time — in recent days.  It feels like something slightly different from the way you were handling it before, and I’m wondering: Why that shift?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He’s becoming increasingly unstable and unhinged, and it requires that response.  I think the American people are seeing it, witnessing it in real time, and we must take note of the fact that this is an individual who wants to be president of the United States, and I think the American people deserve better than someone who actually seems to be unstable. 

Q    Madam — Madam Vice President —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Thank you all.  Thank you.

                        END                1:13 P.M EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris in Press Gaggle | Detroit, MI appeared first on The White House.

UAW Local 652
Lansing, Michigan

5:31 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hey, everybody.  Hey.  (Applause.)  Hey, everyone.  Good afternoon.  Good afternoon, everyone.

Oh, it’s good to be in the house of labor.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon.

Ben, I want to thank you for your leadership.  I just said to him, I mean, what a leader he is.  You know, I just — first of all, it’s so good to be in the house of labor, and it’s so good to be with people who understand the dignity of work and fight for it every day.  And it’s not an easy fight, but it’s a good fight.

And I thank you for all that you do, Ben, and everybody who is here.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

So, it’s wonderful to be back in Michigan and to be with so many incredible leaders, including, of course, Representative Slotkin.  Where is she?  She’s — there you are.  (Applause.)  Who we must elect to the United States Senate.  (Applause.)  And we will.  I’m counting on that.

State Senator Hertel, let’s send him to the United States House of Representatives.  (Applause.)  There you are.

And a special thanks to the brothers and sisters of United Auto Workers.  Thank you for all that you are, all that you do, and the warm welcome.  (Applause.) 

And, of course, for generations in Lansing and across our country, union members have helped lead the fight for fair pay, better benefits, and safe working conditions, and every person in our nation has benefited from your work. 

You know, everywhere I go, I tell people, you may not be a union member, but you better thank unions — (applause) — for the five-day work week, for sick leave, for paid family leave and vacation time, because we are all clear: Collective bargaining benefits our entire nation — our entire nation.  (Applause.) 

Because here’s the deal.  When union wages go up, everybody’s wages go up.  When union workplaces are safer, everyone’s workplace is safer.  So, thank a union.  (Applause.)  Thank a union. 

And the bottom line is when unions are strong, America is strong.  Unions have always fought to make our nation more equal, more fair, and more free.  And in this election, everything we have fought for, for years in this movement — in this movement, for unions and for labor, is on the line. 

And I’m about to talk about it in real terms because we always have real talk with each other, and your members can afford nothing less, which has been why I appreciate your leadership. 

This election is about two very different visions for our nation: one that’s trying to take us backward — him — and ours that is about moving forward and about the future.  (Applause.)  We fight — we fight for a future where we protect the freedom to organize, where we understand the importance of collective bargaining. 

You know, I sometimes say to young people — and, by the way, have you noticed how, when you look at the polling, younger workers coming into the workforce, they get it and they understand the power and the nobility of unions. 

And I always say to people, look, here’s the thing about collective bargaining.  Everybody should want that, when there’s a negotiation, the outcome would be fair.  Right?  Who’s going to argue with that?  Everybody should want that — that there will be a fair outcome in a negotiation. 

All right.  So, if we start from there — we’re all reasonable people — then let’s think about it.  If you’re talking about the worker, the one worker trying to negotiate against the corporation, is that outcome going to be fair? 

     AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  No.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No.  The disparity in power is too great.  So, collective bargaining, it’s a simple, simple and important point.  You let the workers organize so that the collective, together, who have the same concerns, the same issues, can be banded together to have equal power in a negotiation, because the whole point is the outcome of the negotiation should be fair.  That’s what collective bargaining is about.  That’s what unions are about.  (Applause.)

It’s about basic fairness, and it’s about the dignity of work, understanding all workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  That’s what we’re talking about when we talk about this movement and the strength of the movement and the importance of keeping it going. 

We talk about, then, our knowledge about the importance of building a future where we tap into the ambition of the American people, where we build what I call an “opportunity economy” — right? — so every American has an opportunity to own a home, to buy a car, to build wealth, to start a business.

And I will always — it is my pledge to you — put the middle class and working people first.  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)  I will never forget where I come from.  I know where I come from.

Hard work is good work.  Hard work is good work and must receive the value to which it is due, which means understanding the value of the worker.  (Applause.) 

And we know we cannot have a strong middle class without American manufacturing.  Over the last three and a half years, we brought manufacturing back to America, creating 730,000 manufacturing jobs — (applause) — with your help — with your help.  We announced the opening of more than 20 new auto plants in the United States, and we did it by investing in American industry and American workers.  (Applause.)

And I will make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.  (Applause.) 

So, under my plan, it’s about investing in the industries that built America, like steel, iron, the great American auto industry.  And we will ensure that the next generation of breakthroughs, from advanced batteries to electric vehicles, are not just invented but built right here in America by American union workers.  (Applause.)  Because it is they and you who have proven how to get the job done.  (Applause.)

And as part of that vision, we will invest in manufacturing communities like Lansing.  We will retool existing factories, hire locally, and work with unions to create good-paying jobs, including, by the way, jobs that do not require a college degree. 

And I’mma tell you why.  And I’mma tell you why, because I’m really clear that a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of the qualified worker, and we need to understand — (applause) — we need to understand that. 

In fact, it is my pledge that, as president, I’m going to do a critical assessment of federal jobs to look at those that don’t require a college degree so we can start talking about good jobs based on the skill and experience of the worker and not random measures of who can do what.  And I plan on, then, challenging the private sector to do the same.  (Applause.)

And we will importantly protect the pensions of union workers and retirees.  (Applause.)  Again, it’s about the dignity of work, which includes the dignity of retirement.  After a lifetime of working hard, let’s talk about the dignity of retirement, the dignity of aging. 

And that’s why, as attorney general, I sued the big banks to return hundreds of millions of dollars to workers and their families after their pensions were mismanaged.  This is not new to me.  I’ve done that work. 

As a United States senator, I pushed for legislation to rescue workers’ pensions without cutting the benefits that workers had earned. 

And, as vice president, I worked alongside then-Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, and we, for a year, worked on what we needed to do with the federal workforce, which was in our direct power, to increase the ability for collective bargaining and to ensure that they have all the resources they need to grow in terms of organizing. 

As vice president, I also helped to do the long overdue work to protect the pensions of more than 1 million union members.  And yesterday, I announced the protection of the full earned pension benefits of more than 22,500 union workers and retirees in Michigan under the Detroit Carpenters’ Pension Fund.  (Applause.) 

Because, again, just to put a fine point on it, when it comes to your pension or Social Security or Medicare, these are retirement benefits you have earned.  This is not about a giveaway.  You’ve earned it.  And it must be protected, and it must be respected — after decades of hard work, that you receive it.  And honoring these benefits must be an ironclad commitment.  (Applause.)

Now — now let’s talk about, you know, the guy on the other side.  Let’s talk about Donald Trump for a minute.  Shall we?  So —

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And because he has a very different view.  Now, in all seriousness, he has a very different view of workers, of hard work, of the dignity of work.  You guys — we know it.  We know it. 

He tries to, you know, do his rhetorical thing at — at rallies like he understands what it means to earn a living.  No, you understand what I’m saying.  He pretends that he understands workers and the hard work and the battle workers face every day to get their due wages and benefits. 

Well, we’re not falling for the okey-doke, because we know — we know what he has said, and we know what he has done.  (Applause.)  He who called Social Security a Ponzi scheme.  He called it a Ponzi scheme.  He recommended we raise the retirement age to 70.  Can you imagine, if you are required to work to 70?  He who intends to cut Social Security and Medicare?

You know, we know how many people — their only source of income is their social security check.  Talk about — right? — is the value about dignity in retirement, dignity in aging.  And remember, he was the only one — he said he was going to be the only one who could bring back America’s manufacturing jobs.  You know how he talks.  (Deepens voice.)  “I’m the only one,” right?  (Laughter.)  You know how he talks.  (Laughter and applause.) 

And then, because we’re too busy watching what he’s doing to hear what he’s saying, we know America lost nearly 200,000 manufacturing jobs when he was president — okay? — including tens of thousands of jobs right here in Michigan.  And those losses, we know and we’ll note, started before the pandemic — okay? — making Donald Trump one of the biggest —

     AUDIENCE:  Losers!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — losers of manufacturing jobs in American history. 

And his track record for the auto industry was a disaster.  He promised workers in Warren that the auto industry would — I’m going to quote — “not lose one plant” under his presidency.  Then American automakers announced the closure of six auto plants when he was president, including General Motors in Warren and Stellantis in Detroit.  Thousands of Michigan autoworkers lost their jobs.

And if he wins again, we can expect there would be more of the same, because we know what he has done.  And we know that we’re going to focus on the work, not the words, when it comes to Donald Trump, and we know where he took us the last time.

 And check this out.  Donald Trump’s current running mate — because you know the job was open, right?  (Laughter.)  You know, like, when people go for an interview — especially the young people, they’ll go for an interview, and they’ll sit down and they’re in the interview, and they’ll say, “Why is the job open?”  (Laughter.)  Well, we know why that job was open.  (Laughter.)

So, Donald Trump’s running mate recently suggested that if they win, they would threaten the Grand River Assembly plant right here in Lansing —

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — the same plant that, with your help, our administration protected earlier this year, saving 650 union jobs.  (Applause.)  Right? 

And I do believe some of the union workers from Grand River are here with us today.  So, you know what I’m ta- — (applause) — so, you know I’m talking about.  You know what I’m talking about.  And Trump’s running mate called your jobs “table scraps,” right?

So, let me just say — needless to say — I will always have your back — (applause) — and will keep fighting to make sure that you keep your jobs right here in Lansing and keep these most noble and important jobs for America’s strength.  That’s the work you all do. 

You know, Donald Trump, he also promised that he was going to stop offshoring.  Remember that?  Then he cut taxes for corporations that shipped 200,000 jobs overseas during his presidency — cut the taxes for those corporations — okay? — and awarded nearly half a trillion dollars in federal contracts to companies that were offshoring jobs.  Okay?  Follow the money.

He gave your tax dollars to companies that were sending your jobs overseas.  And we got to get the word out to all of the brothers and sisters in labor to remind them of what this dude does — right? — what he actually does.  (Applause.)

Because, make no mistake, Donald Trump is no friend to labor. 

     AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He is no friend to labor, and we’ve got to listen to what he says.  Know that — you know that famous saying: Listen when people tell you who they are. 

In fact, can we roll the clip?  (Laughter.)  Let’s see.  There we —

(A video clip is played.)

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right?  Right.  Right.

 So, of course, that last bit, he was talking about Shawn Fain, who — who represents nearly a million active and retired autoworkers.  Okay?  So, that’s about a million autoworkers, active and retired. 

 Donald Trump — listen to his words: He’s saying that autoworkers are essentially engaged in child’s play, that children could do it.  Listen to what he says. 

I’m telling you, he — you know, he’s got his club, and I’m going to tell you, union workers are not part of his club.  Let’s be clear about that.  No matter what he does at his rallies, let’s be clear about that, right?

He thinks that the value of your work is essentially meaningless.  That’s what he’s saying, to compare it to child’s work? 

When we here know the work you do is complex.  You do it with great care.  You work hard.  You are highly skilled.  You are highly trained.  And the best autoworkers in the world is who you are — the best in the world — (applause) — the best in the world.

 And the fact is, Donald Trump’s comments are the talk of someone who has had everything handed to him. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  That’s exactly right.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I know it’s right.  (Laughter.)  It is — I know.  It is. 

This man, you know, who never had to work a job that came with calloused hands or an hourly wage — right? — someone who got handed $400 million on a silver platter and did what with it?  Filed bankruptcy six times.  (Applause.)  Come on.  Come on. 

He will never understand the life of a United Auto Worker — he will never understand that — people who work hard for everything they have, who take great pride in a job well done, who understand what it represents to their family and the future of their family.  Again, I go back to the dignity of hard work. 

So, let us be clear.  Donald Trump’s insults to American workers is not exclusive to that video.  Okay?  So, that was just a moment.  Kind of think of it as the commercial break in my speech.  (Laughter.)

But his comments are not only that, because Donald Trump has been a union buster his entire career.  He has called union leaders, quote, “Dues Sucking” people.  Okay?  He said that he supports so-called right-to-work laws, quote, “100 percent.”  Okay?  He bragged and joked with a billionaire buddy about mass firing striking workers and lowered labor standards and made it easier for companies that break the laws to get federal contracts. 

Donald Trump encouraged automakers of Michigan so they could pay their workers less — encouraged them to move so they could pay their workers less.  Okay?  And when the UAW went on strike to demand the higher wages you deserve, Donald Trump went to a nonunion shop and attacked the UAW.  He said striking and collective bargaining don’t make, and I’m going to quote, “a damn bit of difference.” 

So, here’s the bottom line, Donald Trump’s track record is a disaster for working people.  And he is, I believe, an existential threat to America’s labor movement.  And everything he intends to do, if he is reelected, is also spelled out in that Project 2025. 

So, to read it and to know it is to know he intends to launch a full-on attack on unions and the freedom to organize.  Okay?  He will ban public-sector unions, roll back workplace safety protections.  Read it when you have some time.  Google it, everybody who’s watching.  Look, mak- — he will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers and appoint a union buster to run the Department of Labor.  Be sure of that.  Be sure of that. 

So, to all the friends here, I say what you already know.  It’s time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  Let’s just turn the page.  (Applause.)  Turn the page.  (Laughs.)  Because America is ready to chart a new way forward, and we are not —

     AUDIENCE:  Going back!

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

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, we are not going back.  We’re not going back.  We’re 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 because, as UAW always does, we are going to push forward.  We are going to push forward. 

And it all comes down to this.  Look, you all have taken time out of your busy lives to be here this afternoon, and we are all here together because we know the stakes in this election are so high. 

We are all here together because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country.  And I do believe it is one of the highest forms of patriotism, the expression of the love of our country, to fight for our ideals.  And that’s what this is about. 

This is not, at the end of the day, a fight against something; this is a fight for something.  (Applause.)  This is a fight for something, including the fight to realize the promise of America.  After all, that’s what unions have always done.  It’s about understanding the promise of America, which has to include the promise that we should make to the workers of America.

 So, we have 18 days to get this done.  It’s not a lot of time.  Okay?  And we know this is going to be a tight race until the very end.  We are the underdog.  But make no mistake, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  We will win, I’m telling you.

It’s going to be hard work, but we like hard work.  Hard work is good work.  (Applause.) 

And ultimately, we will win because we know what we stand for.  (Applause.)  And when you know what you stand for, you know what to fight for.  (Applause.)  Right?We stand for opportunity.  We stand for dignity.  And we stand for the future.  (Applause.)

And so, I’ll close by saying, and when we fight —

     AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.

 God bless you.  God bless America.  (Applause.)

                               END                 5:57 P.M. EDT

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

Oakland Expo Center
Oakland County, Michigan

8:11 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, Michigan!  (Applause.)  Can we hear it for Mia?  (Applause.) 

(The audience sings “Happy Birthday to You.”)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  All right.  Okay.  Thank you.  And we need to get to work.  All right, thank you all. 

It is so good to be back in Michigan.  (Applause.)  It is so good to be back.  I want to thank everyone for taking the time out of your busy lives to take the time to be here this evening.  I thank you all so very much.  (Applause.)

Can we please hear it for Stab- — wait — can we please hear for Senator Stabenow, who was here earlier?  (Applause.)

County Executive, Dave Coulter — (applause);  Representative Stevens, who we need to elect to the United States Congress — (applause); and let’s send Representative Slotkin to the United States Senate — (applause) — because we need them in D.C.  We need them in D.C. 

I also want to thank all of the leaders of the Arab American community who are here.  (Applause.)  As everyone know, this community has deep and proud roots in the Detroit metro area, and I am proud to have the support of Arab American leaders like Wayne County Deput- —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, we need a medic.  Okay, we need a medic.  Let’s figure out a way to part a little bit so that we can bring a medic in over here, please.  Okay? 

Okay, it looks like we need a medic over there, too.  Is that what we’re saying?  Okay.  Okay.  We got a lot of folks in here.  It’s a little warm.  Let’s just make sure we’re looking out for each other.  Okay?  (Applause.)

Okay.  Are we okay?  All right, it looks like we’re good.  We’re okay?  All right.  Okay.  Thank you.

And always, to our first responders, thank you for your work. 

So, as I was saying, our Arab American community has deep and proud roots in the Detroit metro area, and I am very proud to have the support of Arab American leaders like Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad Turfe.  (Applause.) 

And listen, I know this year has been very difficult given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and given the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon.  It is devastating. 

And now, Sinwar’s death can and must be a turning point.  (Applause.)  Everyone must seize this opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza — (applause); bring the hostages home; and end the suffering once and for all.  And I continue to believe diplomacy is the answer to bringing lasting stability across the Israel-Lebanon border. 

And as vice president and, with your help, as president, I will do everything in my power to achieve these goals — (applause) — and work toward a future with security and dignity for all people in the region. 

So, thank you all.

And, Michigan, listen, we got 18 days to get this done — 18 short days.  And you all wouldn’t be here spending your precious time here with all the other obligations you’ve got if you did not know this is probably one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.  (Applause.) 

And it’s going to be a tight race until the very end, and we are the underdog and running as the underdog.  But make no mistake, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Yes, we will.  We will win. 

And we will win because we understand — and we will win because we understand what is at stake.  This — this election is about two very different visions for our nation: one, Donald Trump’s, that is focused on the past —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT: — and the other — and the other, ours, that is focused on the future.  (Applause.)

We are focused on a future where we bring down the cost of living, invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs, protect reproductive freedom.  (Applause.) 

That is in the future that we are fighting for.  But as you all know, that’s not what we’re hearing from Donald Trump.  Instead, it is the same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people.  No plan. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Concepts!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can I hear it again?  No plan. 

AUDIENCE:  No plan!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he is only focused on himself. 

And now, check this out, he is ducking debates and canceling interviews. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You saw his own campaign team is saying it’s because of exhaustion.  All right, well, here’s

the thing, if you are exhausted from the campaign trail, it raises real questions about you are fit for the toughest job in the world. (Applause.) 

And so, folks, for these reasons and more, it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  Let’s turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward — (applause) — ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — that is all of you; it’s all of us — which is why Democrats, Republicans, independents are supporting our campaign. 

In fact, you may have seen earlier this week, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country joined me on the campaign trail — (applause) — including some who served under Donald Trump’s administration, because, you know, they know him best.  They understand what’s at stake. 

And I believe Americans want a president and deserve a president who works for all the American people — all the American people.  (Applause.)

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

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I protected women and children.  As attorney general of California, I fought for students and veterans who were being scammed by those for-profit colleges.  (Applause.)  As vice president, I have stood up for workers and seniors.  And as president, I will fight for all the American people — always. (Applause.)   Always. 

And —

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And, together, us and you — we will together — like I want you to shout your own name for a minute.  Let’s do that really quickly.  Shout your own name for a minute.

(The audience members shout their names.)

(Laughs.)  That’s what I’m talking about, because it’s about your family.  It’s about you.  That’s what I’m talking about.  That’s what I’m talking about.  Because together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.  (Applause.)  Together.  Together. 

A future where we build what I call an “opportunity economy” so that every American has an opportunity to own a home, buy a car, build wealth, start a business.  (Applause.)  Right? 

Under my plan, we will deal with things like bringing down the cost of housing.  (Applause.)  We will help entrepreneurs start and grow a small business.  Do we have any small-business owners here?  (Applause.)  Our small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy.  (Applause.)

My plan will expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors.  (Applause.)  And look, as with so many of the issues that are priority issues for me, including small businesses, the issue of home health care —

Look, I’m going to just go off script for a moment.  So, when my mother was — when my mother was sick, I took care of her.  And for anyone here who has or is taking care of an older relative, you know what it is.  It’s about trying to cook something that they feel like eating.  It’s about trying to put some clothes on them that won’t irritate their skin, right?  It’s about, from time to time, trying to figure out what you can say that will bring a smile to their face or make them laugh.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity. 

And here’s the — here’s the deal.  When you look at everyone who is doing that and then you look at the — what we call the “sandwich generation,” which are people who are raising your young children and taking care of your parents, it’s a lot. 

And either you have enough money to afford to have somebody come in and help you, which most people don’t, or you might have to give up your job, which means you’re cutting off a source of income for your household, or you have to spend down your savings to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s just not right. 

So, my plan is to say that we are going to fix it so that Medicare covers the cost of home health care work for seniors — (applause) — because it’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity, so more seniors can live at home with dignity.  (Applause.)

Our plan will lower costs on everything from health care to groceries. 

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

My plan will also give middle-class tax cuts to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of a child’s life, because here is where I’m coming from: The vast majority of our young parents have a natural desire to parent their children well, but not always the resources.  And so, looking at expanding the child tax credit — again, it’s about dignity.  It’s about recognizing that folks just need a little help to buy a car seat or a crib or the essential needs for your child during such a critical stage of their development.  (Applause.)

And by the way, we all benefit from that.  Everybody benefits from that.  (Applause.)

So, these are just some examples of our plan. 

And all of that to say, look, I will always — I will always stand and fight for the middle class and working families of America.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)

My plan also invests in American manufacturing and innovation, and I will make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.  (Applause.) 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Exactly right.  Exactly right.

And Michigan knows — and Michigan knows better than most what that means, about investing in American industry.  (Applause.)  Under my plan, we will invest in the industries that built America, like steel, iron, and the great American auto industry.  (Applause.)

And contrary to what my opponent is suggesting, I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive.  (Applause.)  But here’s what I will do: I will invest in communities like Oakland County and Detroit.  (Applause.)  We will retool existing factories and hire locally and work with unions to create good-paying jobs — (applause) — including, by the way, jobs that do not require a college degree. 

Because this is how I feel — (applause) — look, this is how I feel about that.  We all know a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of a qualified worker.  (Applause.)  So, part of my plan is to do an assessment of all the federal jobs, which will be under our jurisdiction, to figure out which of them should be rethought of in terms of whether or not it actually requires a college degree.  And the next step on that is going to be to challenge the private sector to do the same.  (Applause.)

I will also protect the pensions of union members and retirees — (applause) — including yesterday, when I announced the protection of the full-earned pension benefits of more than 22,500 retirees under the Detroit Carpenters Pension Fund.  Because back to the point about dignity, I understand the dignity of work, and I understand the importance of having dignity in your retirement.  (Applause.)

Now, Donald Trump has a different approach. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I don’t need to tell you, he’s full of big promises, but always fails to deliver.  Always fails to deliver.  So, remember he said he was the only one — you know how he talks — “the only one”– (applause) –who could bring back America’s manufacturing jobs.  Remember when he said that?  And then America lost almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs when he was president —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — including tens of thousands of jobs right here in Michigan. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And those losses started before the pandemic — okay? — making Donald Trump one of the biggest losers — (applause) — of manufacturing jobs in American history.  (Laughs.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And his — and his track record for the auto industry was also a disaster. 

He promised workers in Warren — you remember?  He promised workers in Warren that the auto industry would — and I’m going to quote — “not lose one plant” during his presidency.  Then, American automakers announced the closure of six auto plants when he was president —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — including General Motors in Warren and Stellantis in Detroit.  Remember that? 

Thousands, thousands of Michigan autoworkers lost their jobs.  And Donald Trump’s running mate — you know, because the position was vacant and he had to fill it, right?  (Laughter.)  You know, for the young people here — you know, when you go for an interview, and you sit down at the interview and you ask the person who’s interviewing, “Why’s the job vacant?”  (Laughter.) 

So, Donald Trump’s current running mate recently suggested that if they win, they would threaten the Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The same plant that our administration protected earlier this year, saving 650 union jobs.  (Applause.)

And remember, Donald Trump encouraged automakers to move their plants out of Michigan so they could pay their workers less.

And when the UAW went on strike — (applause) — when the UAW went on strike to demand the higher wages that you deserved, Donald Trump went to a non-union shop.  Remember?

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he attacked the UAW.  And he said striking — he said striking and collective bargaining don’t — and I’mma quote — “don’t make a damn bit of difference.”  That’s what he said —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — about striking and collective bargaining. 

Well, Michigan, you know better.  We know better.  Strong unions mean higher wages, better health care, and greater dignity — (applause) — for union members and everyone else,

because you don’t have to be a member of a union to thank unions for your five-day workweek and your vacation time and your sick leave.  Thank a union.  (Applause.)

Which is why, when I am president, with your help, I will sign the PRO Act into law — (applause) — and make it easier for workers to join a union and negotiate for better pay and working conditions. 

And now Donald Trump is making the same empty promises to the people of Michigan that he did before, hoping you will forget how he let you down the last time. 

But we’re not falling for the okey doke.  No, and we won’t be fooled. 

Just, for example, google Project 2025 —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — which I still, by the way, find it fascinating to think that they actually put that in writing.  (Applause.)  I mean, they put it in writing.  They published it, they bound it, and gave it out, right? 

And here’s the thing, to read it is to know 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; get rid of the $35 cap on insulin for seniors that you all helped us get; make it easier — he will — and read it — make it — he will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay to workers —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and he intends to impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” which is at least 20 percent, if not more, of a tax on everyday basic necessities, which economists have estimated will cost the American family an additional $4,000 a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And if that weren’t enough, on top of this and all of this, he plans to end the Affordable Care Act.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

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

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He has concepts!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He has — because he has, quote, “concepts of a plan.”  (Laughs.)

So, you all have heard me say, you know, I think — I think Donald Trump is an unserious man.  And the consequences if he were to ever get in — back into the White House, are — are absolutely dangerously serious. 

Because, think about it, he’s going to threaten that health insurance coverage of 45 —

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay, so here’s the thing — here’s the thing about that — here’s the thing about that.  The courts are going to take care of that.  (Applause.)  We’re going to take care of November.  We’re going to take care of November.  How about that?  Right.  We’ll take care of November.  (Applause.)

But, again, “concepts of a plan.”  So, think about it in terms of the serious nature of this.  He’s basically threatening the health insurance coverage of 45 million Americans based on a concept.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And taking us back to when — you remember? — insurance companies could deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was?  And that’s why we are —

AUDIENCE:  Not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — not going back. 

We are not going back.  No, we are not going back.  We will move forward.  (Applause.)  We will move forward.  (Applause.)

Because ours is a fight for the future.  (Applause.)  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 are — we remember how we got here, right?  Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

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

And now, check this out, in America, one in three women live in a state with a Trump abortion ban —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — many with no exception even for rape and incest, which — which means you’re telling someone who is 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 is immoral.  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 with her body — (applause) — not the government, not the government.  No. 

If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government and some folks up in a statehouse telling her what’s in her own best interest. 

And so, here’s my pledge to you.  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 sign it into law.

And across our nation — listen, I’m traveling the country, and I’ll tell you, across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on hard-won freedoms and rights, including the freedom to vote. 

Let me tell you, I — in places like Georgia, where I’m spending some time, you know, they passed a law that makes it illegal to give people food and water for standing in line to vote. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah, I mean, the hypocrisy abounds.  What happened to “love thy neighbor”? 

Attacks on the freedom to join a union.  Attacks on the freedom to be safe from gun violence — Mia talked about that.  Attacks on the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So, I say all that to say what you know — which is again, why you are spending your precious time here.  There is so much on the line in this election.  And this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because, remember, a few months ago, the Supreme Court of the United States basically told the former president that he is effectively immune from doing whatever he does in office. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  Just imagine.  He who has vowed, if reelected, to be a dictator on day one; he who calls Americans who disagree with him, the “enemy from within.”  You know where that language comes from?  And says that he would use the military — the American military to go after the American people. 

He who has called for the quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States of America.  And —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

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

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, we are not going back, and so this is how we’re going to make sure we don’t go back.  Okay, so, here — let’s get to the business then.

So, Michigan, it all comes down to this.  We are here together because we know what is at stake.  We are here together, most importantly, also because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country.

And I do believe it is one of the highest expressions and forms of love of our country and patriotism to then fight for the ideals of our country and to fight — (applause) — and to fight to realize the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 18 days, okay?  And here in Michigan, early voting starts on Saturday, October 26th, one week from tomorrow. 

If you live in Wayne County, you can vote in person even sooner.  Early voting in Detroit starts tomorrow.  (Applause.)  Okay?

So, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  And if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out tonight and return it.  Because, folks, the election is here, and we need to — as you know best how to do — we need to energize, we need to organize, we need to mobilize — (applause) — knowing — knowing our vote is our voice and your voice is your power.  (Applause.)

So, Michigan, today, 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.)

Because when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we in.

God bless you.  And God bless America.  (Applause.) 

                             END                8:46 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Oakland County, MI appeared first on The White House.

Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan

2:38 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, Michigan!  Good afternoon.  Can we hear it for Brian?  (Applause.) 

Good afternoon, Michigan.  It is good — (applause) — oh, it is good to be back.  It’s good to be back.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon.  Oh — (laughs) — oh, my god.  Okay.  (Applause.)  Okay.  Thank you. 

Okay, let’s get to business.  Let’s get to business.  Thank you.  Thank you.  I am very touched.  (Applause.)  Thank you all.  Oh, it’s good to be back.  Thank you all very much.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

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

So, let me first thank all of you for taking time out of your very busy lives for us to all be here together this afternoon.  I thank you so very much for all you do, all you have done, and all you will do over these next 18 days.  Thank you all so very much.  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

This is an incredible group of incredible leaders, and your voice matters so much right now.  And I think there is so much about our campaign that is about the spirit of reminding everyone that we’re all in this together.  We are all in this together.  (Applause.)  So, thank you. 

And to all the governors who are here with us today — (applause) — I’m telling you, they’re riding thick.  They’re riding thick.  Oh, and they are all — each one of them — such incredible leaders, both for their state and our nation, and such dear friends.  And I thank you all, including, of course, Michigan’s own Governor Whitmer — (applause) — who we love as “Big Gretch.”  (Applause.)

And to the governors, I want to say you’ve been traveling the country for our campaign, and I’m so deeply grateful for your support. 

I also want to recognize Senator Stabenow — (applause) — a champion for Michigan; Representative Scholten, who we will reelect to the United States Congress.  (Applause.)  And while we’re at it, let’s send Representative Slotkin to the United States Senate.  (Applause.)

All right, so we got work to do.  Eighteen day — eighteen days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.  And as you know, everyone here knows, this election is truly about two very different visions for our nation: Ours that is focused on the future; Donald Trump’s that is focused on the past.  Ours, that is focused on bringing down the cost of living for working families, investing in small businesses, and entrepreneurs.  Ours, that is about protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  

But none of that is 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 he is, as we have seen, only focused on himself.

And now he is ducking debates and canceling interviews.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Come on. 

Check this out.  His own campaign team recently said it is because of exhaustion.  (Laughter.)  Well, if you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world.  (Applause.)  Come on.  Come on.

So, for all these reasons and more, we are here because we know 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.  (Applause.)  America is ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership that is all of us — (applause) — all of us, which is why Democrats, Republicans, and independents are supporting our campaign.  (Applause.) 

In fact, earlier this week, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country joined me on the campaign trail, including some who even served in Donald Trump’s own administration — (applause) — the people who know him best, right? 

And I believe all of this shows that the American people want a president who works for all the people.  (Applause.)  And that has been the story of my entire career.  In my career, I’ve only ever had one client: the people — the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I protected women and children.  As attorney general of California, I fought for students and veterans.  As vice president, I have stood up for workers and seniors.  And as president, I will stand up for all Americans — all Americans.  (Applause.) 

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.  Yes, we will.  (Applause.)  Because, by the way, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Come on.

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

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  Yes, we will.

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

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

And one of the reasons that we know we are working hard toward that win is because we believe together in building a future — in what we can do together as a nation — and a nation of people who see what we have in common more than what separates us. 

 We will w- — build towards a future where we have an economy that works for all Americans.  We will build what I call an “opportunity economy” so that every American has an opportunity to own a home, buy a car, build wealth, and start a business.  (Applause.) 

 In fact, do we have any small-business owners here?  (Applause.)  I love our small businesses.  I got a plan for you.  I love our small businesses.  Our small businesses are part of the backbone of America’s economy.  Bless you all for the work you are doing. 

 So, under my plan, we will also bring down the cost of housing — (applause) — and we will help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. 

 My plan will expand Medicare to cover the cost of home health care for our seniors — (applause) — so that more of our seniors can live with dignity. 

And, you know, I’ll just give you a little background i- — in terms of a personal story.  So, I took care of my mother when she was sick.  And for any of you who have taken care of an elder relative, you know what that is, right?  It’s about trying to cook something that they can eat.  It’s about trying to find clothes that they can — they can handle on their skin.  It’s about trying, from time to time, to think about something that will put a smile on their face or maybe just make them laugh.  It’s about dignity. 

But under the current system, and especially for those in the sandwich generation who are raising young kids while you’re taking care of your parents, it’s difficult.  And under the current system, to get help for taking care of your seniors, unless you got the extra money sitting around, you’d have to leave your job or pay down all your savings to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s not right.  That’s not right. 

 So, my plan is about saying, let’s have Medicare cover the cost of home health care for our seniors — (applause) — which is a matter of understanding how real people are living and understanding the importance of everyone being entitled to dignity.  (Applause.)

Our plan, in terms of an opportunity economy, will lower costs on everything from health care to groceries.  I’ll take on corporate price gouging, because I’ve done it before and I will do it again.  (Applause.)

My plan will also give middle-class tax cuts to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 tax credit for the first year of a child’s life so that our young parents — (applause) — can do what they naturally want to do, which is parent their children well, but they don’t always have the resources to be able to do it.  So, let’s help them out so that they can buy a car seat, so that they can buy a crib, so that they can take care of that baby’s needs during that critical phase of their development. 

     We all benefit from it.  We all benefit from it.  (Applause.)

     Dignity.

My plan also invests in American manufacturing and innovation, because I will make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.  (Applause.) 

     AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

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

     AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And so, to that point and with pride, we all say: We must and we will invest in the industries that built America, like steel, iron, and the great American auto industry.  (Applause.)  And we will ensure that the next generation of breakthroughs, from advanced batteries to electric vehicles, are not just invented but built right here in America by American union workers.  (Applause.)

 And, Michigan, I know I’m going to tell you what you already know, but let us be clear for folks who are watching from different parts of the country.  Contrary to what my opponent is suggesting, I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive, but here is what I will do.  I will invest in manufacturing communities like Kent County.  (Applause.) 

Together, we will retool existing factories, hire locally, and work with unions to create good-paying jobs — (applause) — including jobs that do not require a college degree, because here’s where I come from.  I know a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of a qualified worker.  (Applause.)

And I intend to reexamine federal jobs, when you all elect me president — (applause) — to assess those jobs that should not have that requirement, and then I intend to challenge the private sector to do the same.  (Applause.)

 Now, all of this is to say Donald Trump has a different approach.  He makes big promises — (laughs) — and he always fails to deliver.

So, remember he said he was the only one — you know how he talks.  (Laughter.)  He — the only one who could bring back America’s manufacturing jobs.

Then, America lost almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs when he was president.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Facts.  Including tens of thousands of jobs right here in Michigan.  And those losses started before the pandemic, making Donald Trump one of the biggest losers — (applause) — of manufacturing jobs in American history. 

And his track record for the auto industry was a disaster.  He promised workers in Warren that the auto industry would, and I’m going to quote, “not lose one plant” during his presidency.  Those were his words, “not one plant.” 

Then American automakers announced the closure of six auto plants when he was president, including General Motors in Warren and Stellantis in Detroit.  Thousands of Michigan autoworkers lost their jobs.  And Donald Trump’s running mate recently suggested that if they win, they would threaten the Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing.  Okay?

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The same plant our administration protected earlier this year, saving 650 union jobs — (applause) — 650 union jobs.  His running mate called those “table scraps.” 

So, we fought hard for those jobs, and we believe that you deserve a president who will protect them and not insult them.  (Applause.)

And make no mistake, Donald Trump is no friend of labor.  Let’s be really clear about that.  No matter what the noise is out there, he is no friend of labor.  Just look at the record.  Instead of his rhetoric, look at the record.  And let’s not fall for the okey-doke.  (Laughter.) 

Seriously.  He encouraged automakers to move their plants out of Michigan so he could pay — they could pay their workers less.  Understand what that was about: so they could pay their workers less. 

And when the UAW went on strike to demand the higher wages they deserved, Donald Trump went to a nonunion shop —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and attacked the UAW, and he said — he said, striking and collective bargaining don’t make, quote, “a damn bit of sense” — “a damn bit of difference” is what he said exactly.  That it doesn’t make a, quote — pardon my language — “a damn bit of difference,” is what he said. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He don’t make a damn bit of sense.  (Applause.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  All right, brother.  (Laughs.)

So, Michigan, you know better.  Strong unions mean higher wages — (applause) — better health care, and greater dignity for union members and for everyone, whether or not you are part of a union.  (Applause.)  Get that straight.  Get that straight.

Which is why, when I am president, I will sign the PRO Act into law and make it easier for workers to join a union and negotiate for better pay and working conditions.  (Applause.)

And now Donald Trump is making the same empty promises to the people of Michigan that he did before, hoping — hoping you will forget how he let you down the last time.  But we will not be fooled, because we know how to read Project 2025.  For those who haven’t seen it, just google it. 

You know, I just have to keep repeating, I can’t believe they put that thing in writing.  I cannot beli- — they — they put it in — they put it in writing.  They bound it.  They — they published it, and they handed it out.  (Laughter.)  And now they’re trying to run from it.  Come on. 

And so, we’ve read it.  It’s a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what Donald Trump intends to do if he were elected president.  So, that’s why we know — not only because it’s what he did before — that’s why we know Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, attack unions, cut Social Security and Medicare —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — get rid of that hard-fought, hard-won $35 cap on insulin for our seniors.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Check out what’s in it.  It will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” which is basically — he’s talking about at least a 20 percent tax on everyday necessities, which economists have measured will cost the average family nearly $4,000 more a year.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on top of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act — okay? — and has no plan to replace it. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  “Concepts”! 

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

AUDIENCE:  “Concepts of a plan!”

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  “Concepts of a plan.”

So, he’s going to threaten — he’s going to threaten the health insurance of 45 —

AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We need a medic over here.  We need a medic over here.  Let’s — let’s clear a path so they can come through, please.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Don’t forget he’s out on bail! 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Espionage!  (Laughter.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we got jokes over here, grounded in reality.  (Laughter.)

     We okay?  Okay.  We’re okay.  Thank you all. 

     So — (applause) — we’re good.  Okay.

So, you know, where I was going with that is many of you may have heard me say, I do believe that Donald Trump is an unserious man, and the consequences of him ever getting back into the White House are brutally serious — brutally serious. 

So, on that point about “concepts of a plan,” it’s funny.  We thought it was ridiculously hilarious when we first heard it.  But here’s the thing about that.  He is basically going to threaten the health insurance of 45 million people based on a concept and take us back to when insurance companies could deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was like?

Well, we are —

AUDIENCE:  Not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — not going back.  We are not going back.  We’re 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.  We’re not going back.

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 intend to 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 and not have her government tell her what to do.  (Applause.)

And we here remember how we got to this place, because then-President Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, in America, one in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban, many of these with no exception even for rape and incest, which means you’re telling a survivor of a violation to their body that they don’t have a right to make a decision about what happens to their body next? 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

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

And I think 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 will talk to her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam but not the government — not some — some people up in a state capitol — not Donald Trump.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No. 

So, let me tell you, when Congress passes a bill to restore the reproductive freedoms nationwide, with your help, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  Proudly.  Proudly.  Proudly. 

And across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights — fundamental freedoms and rights.  I’m traveling our country.  I mean, attacks on the freedom to vote. 

You know, in the state of Georgia, they passed a law that makes it illegal to give people food and water for standing in line to vote.  You know, the hypocrisy abounds.  What happened to “love thy neighbor”?  Right?

Attacks on the freedom to join a union, attacks on the freedom to be safe from gun violence, attacks on the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election, and you all are spending your precious time here together because we know this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher this time for many reasons, including because, just months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president he is effectively immune no matter what he does in the White House.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.  Because we know — just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  Just imagine.  He who has vowed he would be a dictator on day one.  He who calls Americans who disagree with him the “enemy from within.”  You know where that language comes from?  The “enemy from within,” talking about Americans.  He who says he would use the military to go after them — American citizens.  He who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States of America. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we are clear: Someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again have the privilege of standing behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again.  Never again.  Never again. 

AUDIENCE:  Never again!  Never again!  Never again!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Never again. 

So, Michigan, it all comes down to this.  We know why we’re here together.  We know what’s at stake.  And we are here together for one of the most important of all the reasons: We are here together because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

We love our country, and we know that it is one of the highest forms of an expression of love of our country, of patriotism, to then fight for our ideals, to fight to realize the promise of America.  That’s what our campaign is about. 

And Election Day is in 18 short days.  Okay?  And here in Michigan, early voting starts on Saturday, October 26th, which is one week from tomorrow.  (Applause.) 

So, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  Make a plan.  Make a plan.  And if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it today. 

Because, folks, the election is here.  The election is here right now.  And like I know everybody here knows to do, we’ve got to energize and organize and mobilize and remind our neighbors and our friends that their vote is their voice and your voice is your power. 

In a democracy, while we can hold on to it, our vote is the power that each of us as an individual has.  It’s an extraordinary power, and we will not give it away, and we will not let anyone suppress or silence our power.  Don’t ever let anybody take your power from you.  (Applause.)

So, Michigan, today 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                3:07 P.M. EDT

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Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan

2:03 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, guys. 

Well, we’re back in Michigan, and it’s good to be back.  And again, we have a situation where the former president is insulting the people of the state — this time saying that autoworkers — that their important and good and highly skilled work could be performed by a child — which is just further evidence that Donald Trump comes from a place where he really does not appreciate or understand how most people in our country work very hard for all that they have and that there is great dignity in their work.

In addition, I’ve — you know, I’ve been hearing reports that his team, at least, is saying he’s suffering from exhaustion.  And that’s apparently the excuse for why he’s not doing interviews and, of course, he’s not doing the CNN Town Hall.  He refuses to do another debate.

And, you know, look, being president of the United States is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world.  And so, we really do need to ask: If he’s exhausted being on the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?  And I think that’s a question that is an open-ended question that he needs to answer.

     Q    Madam Vice —

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you all.

     Q    Madam Vice President, there’s a lot of —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, sure.

     Q    You’re in a state where there’s a lot of opposition to you from pro-Palestinian voters.  In light of the recent news this week in the Middle East, I mean, does your message to them change?  What’s your message to them in the final few weeks?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, my message remains, first of all, we have got to end this war.  And I think that what has happened now with the — the killing of Sinwar creates an opportunity for us to end this war and bring the hostages home.  And I think everyone wants this war to end, and this is an opportunity to actually get there.

     Q    Madam Vice President, can you explain why it’s — sort of the race still remains incredibly tight?  I know you’ve been out campaigning.  What’s your, sort of, like, thesis of the case of why it remains so tight?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Looks, it’s — it’s an election for president of the United States.  It’s not supposed to be a cakewalk for anyone.  There are very important issues at play.

And I am clear and I think the people that you hear right now in the background are clear that Donald Trump is unfit for the office, he is unstable, and he, frankly, is a danger to our democracy, as has been described by his former chief of staff, secretaries of Defense, national security advisor, and former vice president.

     Q    The former president has been critical of you not attending the Al Smith dinner last night.  As you were talking about him being exhausted, do you think that that’s one reason why he chose to go to New York City rather than come out here on the campaign trail?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, I’m beyond getting into the head of Donald Trump, but I will say it should be a concern.  If he can’t handle the rigors of the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?  I think it’s a legitimate question.

     Thank you all.

                             END                2:06 P.M. EDT

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Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Schönefeld, Germany

5:48 P.M. CET

Q    Mr. President, what did you achieve today?

THE PRESIDENT:  We had very good meetings today with the Quad.  There was an almost — there was unanimity on continuing to support what’s going on in Ukraine, helping the Ukrainians. 

We also talked about the Middle East.  We think there’s a road to peace there.  It’s going to be harder.  It’s going to be difficult.  But we’re all on the same page.  So, there’s total unanimity.  And — 

Q    Did your predecessor come up in the discussions?

THE PRESIDENT:  I don’t know who my predecessor is.

Q    Can you give us a sense about the Middle East piece?  Do you — you said it’s going to be harder.  Do you have any sense of a timeline?  Are you putting more pressure on Netanyahu? 

THE PRESIDENT:  There’s an opportunity, in my view — and my colleagues agreed — that we can probably deal to the — Israel and Iran in a way that is — ends the — the conflict for a while.

Q    Say that again.

THE PRESIDENT:  That ends the conflict.  In other words, that stops the back and forth. 

We think that there’s a possibility of working to a ceasefire in Lebanon.  And it’s going to be harder in Gaza, but we agree that there has to be an outcome, what — what happens the day after.

Q    Mr. President, do you have a good understanding right now what Israel is going to do in response to Iran’s October 1st attacks and when they will actually respond to Iran?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes and yes.

Q    Can you tell us?

THE PRESIDENT:  No and no.

Q    Sir, did you hear any concerns about the upcoming American election?  Are your fellow leaders worried?

THE PRESIDENT:  They’re interested.

Q    Do you — did you get reassurance from Netanyahu yesterday on your phone call that they’re willing to come to the table on a ceasefire?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I — I’m not go- — we’re in the middle of discussions on that.  We’re not — I’m not going to get into that.

Q    Mr. President, is there any chance that you would — on Ukraine — that you would change your mind on long-range weapons, allowing them to strike deeper into Russia, which is one of the main proposals that Zelenskyy put out?

THE PRESIDENT:  In — in foreign policy, there’s never a, “Well, I never change my mind.”  Right now, there is no consensus for long-range weapons (inaudible).

Q    What would have to happen for you to change your mind on that —

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m not going to speculate.

Q    — and NATO membership?

Q    What’s the consensus on the Ukraine victory plan from the Quad meeting?

THE PRESIDENT:  Say it again.

Q    The consensus on the Ukraine victory plan from —

THE PRESIDENT:  We’re —

Q    — the Quad meeting?

THE PRESIDENT:  We’re going to stay with Ukraine.  We’re going to make sure they continue to have capabilities.

Thank you.

5:50 P.M. CET

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German Chancellery
Berlin, Germany

12:34 P.M. CEST

CHANCELLOR SCHOLZ:  (As interpreted.)  Mr. President. 

(Speaking English.)  Dear Joe, it is my great pleasure to welcome you here to the Chancellery in Berlin as a friend of Europe, as a friend of Germany, and, above all, as my friend.  Welcome.

(As interpreted.)  Dear Joe, our cooperation the past three years was extraordinarily close and full of trust.  I know that this is not something that we can take for granted, even among good partners as the U.S. and Germany have been for many, many decades. 

I would like to take this opportunity here and today to express my gratitude and say thank you.  Thank you, Mr.  President. 

The times in which we’re living are extremely challenging indeed.  With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, war has returned back to Europe.  The European security order has been shaken in its very foundations. 

It is all the more important that we reacted decisively and stood closely together and unequivocably condemned this blatant violation of international law and stand by our Ukrainian friends’ side. 

It is thanks to your leadership that Putin’s plans failed, that Ukraine wasn’t overrun within a few days.  But it is thanks to the bravery of Ukrainian armed forces and the support of many states — above all, the United States and Germany — Ukraine stands up to imperialist Russia since more than two and a half years. 

Together, we commit to Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity so that Russia cannot subjugate Ukraine by force.  We stand by Ukraine’s side as long as it is necessary.  Putin has miscalculated.  He cannot sit and ride out this war.

Together, therefore, we decided, with our G7 partners, to support Ukraine with a loan package to the tune of 50 billion U.S. dollars by the end of this year. 

Together, we commit to a strong NATO Alliance which defends every square inch of its territory.  Every member of our alliance can rely on that.  And together, we commit to the fundamental principles of the free world as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. 

Mr. President, from the very beginning of the war, we closely coordinated ourselves across the Atlantic.  It has made us strong.  It has made the Alliance strong, and we will continue to do that. 

Our position is clear.  We continue to support Ukraine as strongly as possible.  At the same time, we are making sure that NATO does not become a party to this war so that this war does not lead to an even bigger catastrophe.  We are very much aware of this responsibility, and no one can shoulder this responsibility for us. 

Of course, the situation in the Middle East is also on our agenda.  The barbaric terrorist attacks of Hamas on Israel of October 7th has massively destabilized the situation. 

Israel has the right to defend itself.  It is important to me to say this very clearly.  We stand by Israel’s side, and we fully agree that it is now more important than ever before to prevent further escalation and a regional conflagration.

With the death of Hamas leader Sinwar, who was responsible for the horrific terrorist attacks, we hopefully now see a tangible prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza, an agreement that leads to the release of hostages held by Hamas. 

Joe, your efforts — we always supported your efforts in this conflict, and we will continue to do so.  Our common objective remains a credible political process towards a two-state solution, and we will continue to be fully committed to that. 

In Lebanon, we’re working towards a situation that the conflict leads to a diplomatic process as soon as possible.  It is clear the people in Northern Israel have to be able to live free of fear and insecurity.  Lebanon deserves a future in self-determination, stability, and security. 

Originally, your visit was scheduled to take place last Friday and had to be postponed due to the severe hurricanes.  And I’m delighted that you were able to come today.  It affords us the opportunity to talk about the challenging global situation in great detail bilaterally but also together with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who will join us later. 

In my view, we need such talks at highest levels to make progress in the most important, pressing issues. 

(In English.)  Joe, thanks again for taking the time for this visit.  It is a strong signal of our transatlantic unity and of our friendship.

Please.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Chancellor — Olaf, it’s great to see you again, and I do apologize for having to cancel the first time around, but we did have a crisis in our southeastern border with hurricanes and tornadoes.  But we’re here because Germany is — Germany is my country’s closest and most important of allies. 

When Putin launched his brutal invasion in Ukraine, you reminded us all why this alliance is so essential.  Under your leadership, Chancellor, Germany rose to meet the moment.  You showed the wisdom to recognize that this war marked a turning point in the history, an assault on the very principles of the protected peace and security in Europe for more than 75 years. 

And then you summoned the resolve to act, remaking Germany’s foreign policy to reckon new realities — with new realities to stand strong and steadfast with Ukraine. 

America and Germany are the two largest supporters of Ukraine in its fight for survival as a free and independent nation.  As Ukraine faces a tough winter, we must — we must sustain our resolve, our effort, and our support. 

And I know the cost is heavy, but make no mistake, it pales in comparison to the cost of living in the world where aggression prevails, where large states attack and bully smaller ones simply because they can. 

Today, the chancellor and I are going to discuss ongoing efforts to surge support to Ukraine’s military; to shore up Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure, which is under constant assault and bombardment from Russia; and to help Ukraine recover by unlocking the value of frozen Russian assets.

I also want to recognize Germany’s decision to spend 2 percent of your gross domestic product on defense.  Please keep it up, because it matters. 

Our alliance with Germany extends far beyond Ukraine and Europe.  It’s global. 

Today, the chancellor and I will discuss regional security in the Middle East, including the ongoing domestic efforts regarding Lebanon and Gaza. 

The death of the leader of Hamas represents a moment of justice.  He had the blood of Americans and Israelis, Palestinians and Germans, and so many others on his hands.

I told the prime minister of Israel yesterday: Let’s also make this moment an opportunity to seek a path to peace, a better future in Gaza without Hamas.  And I look forward to discussing Iran. 

Olaf and I spoke the morning after Iran launched 200 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this month.  With our G7 counterparts, we agreed to coordinate our response through sanctions and other measures, and that is what we have done. 

I’m grateful for Germany’s cooperation holding Iran accountable for destabilizing policies, including providing missiles and drones to Russia to use against Ukraine. 

And just this week, the European Union followed Germany, the UK, and France in sanctioning Iran’s leading airlines.  This followed our own oil sanctions.  This coordination is going to have to continue. 

I also want to thank Germany for standing firm against a vicious surge of antisemitism, hatred, and extremism we’re witnessing today.  Some of it fueled by foreign misinformation.

As domestic — as democratic allies, we have to remain ever vigilant against what I call the “old ghosts in new garments,” ancient hatreds resurfacing.  Our charge is to make sure that the forces holding our societies together and binding us in the common cause of human dignity and freedom remain stronger — stronger than the forces seeking to pull us apart. 

And finally, Chancellor, I deeply appreciate your partnership and the many times you’ve forsaken the easy choice to make the right choice.  Your act of statesmanship and friendship has made possible the safe return and unjustly detained Americans and Germans and the reunion of brave Russian dissidents to their families.  I want to thank you, thank you, thank you. 

I value our conversations, and I look forward to them — this one is — particularly.  And I want to — I really mean it — I want to thank you for your friendship, not only personally, but I don’t see how we maintain stability in Europe and around the world without a tight German-U.S. relationship.  And you’re the leader to do it. 

Thank you. 

12:45 P.M. CEST

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Bellevue Palace
Berlin, Germany

11:10 A.M. CEST

PRESIDENT STEINMEIER:  Please have a seat.

Mr. President, so good to have you here. 

(Speaks German.)  (No translation provided.)

Of the many stereotypes about Germany — our sense of humor — (laughter) — our spontaneity, our irresistible joie de vivre — (laughter) — only one is really true: We are good at keeping records. 

So, 44 and a half years ago, when the young Senator Joseph Biden came to Bonn, a German civil servant — ein guter Beamter, as we like to say — made a note — a rather extensive one, I should say — of this senator’s visit.  And being Germans, you understand, we still have that note.  (Laughter.)  (Holds up a document.)  This one.  Many pages.

(Speaks German.) (No translation provided.)

That’s the content — the main content of report: “He is keenly interested in the Federal Republic of Germany,” the note concludes.  And it adds, “that this senator might look to a,” I quote again, “significant political future.”  (Laughter.)  “Significant.”  What a remarkable understatement. 

Today, you are the 46th President of the United States.  And under your leadership, the transatlantic alliance is stronger and our partnership is closer than ever. 

Mr. President, you are keenly interested in Germany.  That we have known for almost half a century.  So, it is time for you to know that Germany, in turn, is deeply grateful to you. 

Let me say, in the name of my country, thank you, Mr.  President.  (Applause.) 

For Germany, the friendship with the United States has been, is now, and will always be existentially important — existential both for our security and our democracy. 

And yet, in this friendship, there have been and always will be times of proximity and greater distance, times of agreement and times of discord.  Even recently, just a handful years ago, the distance had grown so wide that we almost lost each other. 

But — but, ladies and gentlemen, throughout the ups and downs of time, there have been people who have stood by the transatlantic relations no matter what.  And chief among those people, Mr. President, is you. 

You stand with us, sir, because you know that what binds us is so much deeper than the news of the day.  What binds us is freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. 

What binds us is the conviction that if liberal democracy is to have a future in this troubled world, we have to secure it together.

And what binds us are the lessons from our past — sacred lessons that you described so hauntingly in your letter to our beloved Margot Friedländer. 

Sir, when you were elected president, you restored Europe’s hope in the transatlantic alliance literally overnight.  And then, only a year later, came Putin’s war. 

When Putin invaded Ukraine, he didn’t just go after one country.  He attacked the very principles of peace in Europe. 

Putin thought we would be weak.  He thought we would be divided.  But the opposite was true.  NATO was stronger and more united than ever, and that is, in no small part, Mr. President, thanks to your leadership.

Mr. President, to have you in our most dangerous moment since the Cold War, to have you and your administration on our side is no less than a historical stroke of good fortune.

For us here in Europe, the past two years have shown once again, America truly is the indispensable nation.  But it has also shown something else.  NATO is the indispensable alliance. 

So, in the months to come, I hope that Europeans remember America is indispensable for us, and I hope that Americans remember your allies are indispensable for you. 

We are more than just other countries in the world.  We are partners.  We are friends. 

The choice on November the 5th is only Americans’ choice to make.  But we, as Europeans, have a choice too.  We have the choice to do our part, to be unwavering in our support for Ukraine, to invest in our common security, to invest in our shared future, and, as you have done, sir, to stand by the transatlantic alliance no matter what.

Mr. President, when I visited you in the Oval Office a year ago on October the 6th, just a few hours before Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel, we spoke about the Middle East.  We spoke about Ukraine and Russia.  But at the end — I will never forget that — at the end of our conversation, you went to your desk and handed me a speech of yours not on foreign policy but on the issue that you care most about and that you worry most about — about democracy. 

I quote, “Democracies don’t have to die at the end of a rifle,” you say in that speech.  “Democracies can die when people are silent, when they are willing to give away that which is most precious to them because they feel frustrated, tired, alienated.”  End of the quote.

Your words, Mr. President, echoed deeply in our part of the world, and they weigh even more heavily coming from the leader of the world’s oldest and most time-tested democracy. 

So, let me say this from the bottom of my heart.  In this time when democracy is under strain all around the Western world, you, Mr. President, have been a beacon of democracy. 

You are a beacon not just by what you have done but by who you are, by the example of your humility, your deep connection with the lives and hopes of hardworking people, and, if you excuse that old-fashioned word, by your decency. 

Decency is maybe what we are most at risk of losing.  But your decency, sir, is a light that shines very far.  It certainly reached the hearts of my fellow Germans. 

As U.S. president, you command the most powerful military.  You lead the biggest economy in the world.  But maybe the most precious service to democracy, the most joyful and reassuring thing for people is to know that even this most powerful man in the world is, in the end, a fundamentally decent human being. 

Mr. President, we all know that you love your Irish poets and that you know them well.  I have heard you quote Seamus Heaney from memory, so I hope you allow me to end with a quote from his “Republic of Conscience.” 

I quote, “At their inauguration, public leaders must swear to uphold unwritten law and weep to atone for the presumption to hold office.” 

“The presumption to hold office,” Mr. President.  It seems that you have always had a deep sense of the inevitable presumption in holding office, including the highest office — in being elevated above others, in a society of equals. 

You have transformed this presumption into a deep sense of responsibility, and you have carried that responsibility throughout your career and have now decided, in the most noble tradition of American leaders since Washington, to let democracy run its ever-changing and uncharted course. 

Mr. President, on the historic occasion of your visit to Germany, my country recognizes your decades-long dedication to the transatlantic alliance, your outstanding political leadership in Europe’s most dangerous moment, and your lasting moral example of service, sincerity, and decency.

It is now my great honor to bestow on you the Grand Cross special class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

And for that, Mr. President — may I say, dear Joe — congratulations.  (Applause.)

I have to read the document — one second — in German.

(Speaks German.)  (No translation provided.)  (Applause.)

(President Biden is presented the Grand Cross special class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.)  (Applause.)

It’s done.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Let me begin by saying I — I’m overwhelmed not just by the award but by the words, Mr. President.

Margot Friedländer, you are a voice of conscience and healing.  I’m actually honored to be in your presence, for real.

This award means so much to me for what it says about us, the journey we’ve taken; the alliance we’ve strengthened; the way that we have, as two separate nations, risen together to meet our moment.

I think it’s fair to say, although I know I only look like I’m 40 years old — (laughter) — I — I’ve seen a wide sweep of history.

When I was born, our countries were at war.  As a young senator, I visited West Berlin and saw what it meant to live in a divided city, country, and continent.  And I forged a bond with Helmut Schmidt, your — my first relationship of candor and trust with a German chancellor but, thankfully, not my last.

And then, in 1989, like millions of people around the world, I saw 70,000 brave souls gathered in Leipzig, crying — crying out for freedom.  And the Berlin Wall came down 35 years ago this month. 

It was one of the greatest advances in human dignity in my lifetime.  Some feared the reunification of Germany would revive old hatreds and rivalries.  But leaders of America and Germany dreamed together of a much better future.

The achievement of a Germany whole and free lives on, exceeding, I think, everyone’s expectations.  The dream of Europe whole and free remains the work of our time, nor is that work more urgent than a pushing back against Putin’s vicious attack against Ukraine.

German leaders had the wisdom to recognize a turning point in history, an assault on a fellow democracy, and also on principles that upheld 75 years of peace and security in Europe.

Germany and the United States stood together to support the brave people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom, for democracy, for their very survival.  And I want to thank every leader across Germany’s government who has worked tirelessly to ensure that Ukraine prevails and Putin fails, and NATO remains strong and more united than ever.

We head into a very difficult winter — (coughs) — but we cannot let up.  We cannot — (an aide delivers a glass of water) — thank you so very much.  That’s kind of you.  (Laughs.)

We head to a dery — a very difficult winter.  But we cannot let up.  We must sustain our support.  In my view, we must keep going until Ukraine wins a just and durable peace consistent with the U.N. Charter, until once again human dignity prevails.

Let me close with this.  The times I have lived through have taught me that history does move forward and things can get better if we determine they must — that things can get better and that we should never underestimate the power of democracy, never underes- — -estimate the value of alliances.

Germany — Germany has taught us all that change is possible and, for better or for worse, countries can and do choose their own destinies and the choices that leaders make at critical times truly matters.

I want to thank the current leaders of Germany for the choice you’ve made when it matters most.

I hope you’ll forgive this once, but — if I forsake the great German poets and quote an Irish poet.  (Laughter.) 

Seamus Heaney said in “The Cure at Troy” — he said, “History teaches us not to hope on this side of the grave.  But then — but then, once in a lifetime, a longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme.”

When the Berlin Wall fell, hope and history rhymed.  When Kyiv stood, hope and history rhymed.

Many Americans and Germans always find the wisdom and the courage.  May they keep making hope and history rhyme, because we can, because nothing is beyond our capacity, in my view — nothing is beyond our capacity — when we do it together.

So, thank you again for this award.  I’m honored to accept.  I do not deserve, but I’m honored to accept.  And that, if we continue to work together, Germany has stood up in a way that is incredible.

I want to thank you again for the award.  And may God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.

Thank you so very much.  (Applause.)

11:31 A.M CEST

The post Remarks by President Biden and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany at an Order of Merit Ceremony | Berlin, Germany appeared first on The White House.

Resch Expo
Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin

6:54 P.M. CDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can we hear it for Jim?  (Applause.)  Good evening, Wisconsin!  (Applause.)  Good evening, everyone. 

Hey, Jim, thank you.  Can we hear it for Jim again?  (Applause.)

Oh, it’s good to be back.  Hey, everybody.  Hey, Green Bay.  (Applause.)  Hi, everybody. 

Hey, so, many of you may know, when I was five years old, we lived in Wisconsin.  (Applause.)  My ch- — my parents taught for a short time here.  And now, every time I land, Governor Evers will meet me, and he’ll say, “Welcome home.”  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

So — but it’s so good to be back with everyone.  And thank you all for taking the time out of your busy lives to be here this evening.  Thank you all.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

And it’s great to be with just this incredible group of leaders, including, of course, Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party.  (Applause.)  There he is — Ben.

Kristin Lyerly, who we need to send to the United States Congress.  (Applause.)  

And, Green Bay, let’s reelect someone who has spent her career fighting for Wisconsin families and manufacturing right here in Wisconsin, your senator, Tammy Baldwin.  (Applause.)  We need her back in D.C.

We are also joined by tribal leaders, including President Holsey, who is here from the Stockbridge-Munsee Band, the Mohican Indians.  (Applause.) 

And I will say, Madam President, that I strongly believe that the relationship between Tribal nations and the United States is sacred, and that we must honor Tribal sovereignty — (applause); embrace trust and treaty obligations; and ensure tribal self-determination.  And as president, I will defend those principles.  (Applause.) 

All right, Green Bay.  So, Green Bay, we have 19 days until Election Day — 19 days.  So, we are entering the homestretch — (applause) — and this is going to be a tight race until the very end. 

Look, we are the underdog, and that’s why we are and I am campaigning to earn every single vote, because I intend to be a president for all Americans — (applause) — no matter their political party, where they live, or where they get their news.  (Applause.)

On that point, last night, you may have seen that I went on Fox News.  (Applause.)  Meanwhile, Donald Trump joined a Univerge — a Univision town hall last — yesterday, where a voter asked him about January 6th. 

Okay, now we here know January 6th was a tragic day — a tragic day for our country.  It was a day of terrible violence, with attacks on law enforcement.  A hundred and forty law enforcement officers were injured that day.  Law enforcement officers were killed that day. 

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

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we are all clear, the American people are exhausted with his gaslighting — (applause) — exhausted.  Enough.  Enough.  We are ready to turn the page.  (Applause.)  Turn the page. 

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We’re not going back.  And the reason, Wisconsin, is because we know this election is about two very different visions for our country.  One that is focused on the past, his.  And, ours, that is focused on the future.  (Applause.)  On the future. 

Because we know America is ready for a new way forward, ready for a new optimistic generation of leadership.  (Applause.)  All of us — it’s all of us, which is why Democrats and Republicans and independents are supporting our campaign. 

In fact, yesterday, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country joined me on the campaign trail — (applause) — including — including some who had previously served in Trump’s administration.  (Applause.)  And I believe it is because America wants a president who will serve on behalf of all the American people.  (Applause.)  And that has been the story of my entire career. 

My entire career, I’ve only ever had one client: the people — the people.  (Applause.)  As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators.  As an attorney general of California, I took on the big banks and fought to deliver $20 billion for middle-class families that faced foreclosure. 

I stood up to veterans and stood up for — excuse me, stood up for veterans and students being scammed by big for-profit colleges.  You know, who else — who ran a big for-profit college?  Let’s not forget.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And I stood up for those veterans and students who were being scammed by for-profit colleges that were trying to rip them from their dreams and charge them, producing nothing in return. 

I have stood up for workers who have been cheated out of the wages they were due.  I have stood up for seniors who were facing elder abuse. 

And as president, I will always fight for the American people.  (Applause.)  I will always fight for the American people.

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.  Together.  (Applause.)  And it’s a future where we build what I call an “opportunity economy,” where America has an opportunity to do for our people, what we know is part of our ambition, our dreams, our aspirations — an opportunity economy where everyone has an opportunity to own a home, to build wealth, to start a business. 

Under my plan, we will bring down the cost of housing — (applause) — including with a $25,000 down payment assistance so you can just get your foot in the door.  (Applause.) 

You’ll do the hard work of saving up and paying that mortgage, but let’s be honest.  You know the American dream?  Well, that was real for generations past, but not so much within the reach of people right now, and we got to deal with the real challenges that people are facing right now if we’re going to invest in the future. 

Part of my plan is about helping entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses.  (Applause.)  Look, my mother worked hard, and there was a woman who lived two doors down from us, our neighbor, who helped my mother raise us.  She was a small-business owner.  I know who our small business owners are. 

You are not only business leaders; you are community leaders.  You are civic leaders, and it is our small businesses who are the backbone of America’s economy.  I know that to be true.  (Applause.)  Do we have any small-business owners here tonight?  Raise your hand.  Yeah.  (Applause.)

Under my plan, we will expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors.  Again, this is — (applause) — this is based on what I personally know. 

So, look, when my mother was sick, I took care of her.  And one of the things for anyone who was in that situation or has been, you know what it’s like.  It’s about cooking for folks in a way that hopefully they’ll want to eat.  It’s about trying to find the clothes that won’t be too rough on their skin.  It’s about trying to, from time to time, think of something that can put a smile on their face or make them laugh.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity.  (Applause.) 

But the reality is, it is expensive if you don’t have the ability to do it.  It is expensive to try and bring somebody in.  And far too many people then have to quit their job to try and take care of their elder relatives, and that’s not right.  That’s not right. 

And so, we also know there are so many people in what we call the “sandwich generation” — right? — who are raising young children while you taking care of your parents, and it’s almost impossible to do it all. 

So, my point is this: Either, under the current system, you pay down and lose all your savings so you can qualify for Medicaid —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Woo!  (Laughter.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — or — you know what I’m saying.  Either you have to give it all up and — and — to be able to qualify for Medicaid, or you’re going to have to quit your job or somehow figure out how you can afford to bring in help. 

So, my plan is that, instead, we’re going to have Medicare cover home health care for those who need it.  (Applause.)  Because the details matter.  The details matter.

In an opportunity economy, here’s how I see it, we must create good-paying jobs that are available to all Americans and not just those with college degrees.  Okay?  (Applause.) 

Because here’s the thing, a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of a qualified worker.  (Applause.)  Which is why, as president, I will get rid of unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs, and I will challenge the private sector to do the same.  (Applause.)

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

My plan will also give a middle-class tax cut to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of your child’s life.  Because here’s the thing, we know the vast majority of parents have a natural desire to parent their children well but not always the resources.  And that shouldn’t be the thing that gets in the way of giving a child all that we know parents have to give.

And the $6,000, by extending that Child Tax Credit, that’s what’s going to help you buy a crib or a car seat and all the things that that child needs during that most critical phase of their development. 

And I share with you some of these details to say this: I will always put the middle class and working families first.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)  Never.  Never. 

Now, Donald Trump has a different plan. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just google “Project 2025.” You know, I mean, I keep saying this, but I can’t believe they put that thing in writing.  (Laughter.)  You know, I just — and they didn’t just put it in writing.  They bound it, and then they handed it out.  (Laughter.) 

And if you read it, look, it’s a detailed — it’s a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president.  You know, many of you have heard me say, I do believe that Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of him being president again are brutally serious — brutally serious.  Because here’s the thing, Donald Trump will give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations, just like he did before.  He will cut Social Security and Medicare and get rid of the $35 cap on insulin for seniors. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Check this out, when you — when you look at Project 2025, he will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he will impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” which is at least a 20 percent tax on everyday basic necessities, which economists have estimated will cost the average American over $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:  Booo —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He has concepts!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So you watched the debate.  (Laughs.)

He has, quote, “concepts of a plan.”  “Concepts of a plan.” 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Come on. 

But, again, it’s a serious issue, because here’s the thing.  He’s going to then threaten health insurance coverage for 45 million Americans based on a concept and take us back to when insurance companies were denying people with preexisting conditions?  You remember what that was?

AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  We’re not going back! 

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

And we are not going back, because just like Wisconsin’s state motto tells us, we will move —

AUDIENCE:  Forward!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — 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 no matter how he’d like to gaslight us, we are clear about how we got here: Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended.  And now, in America, one in three women live in a state with a Trump abortion ban. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And you’ve heard the stories — awful stories, painful stories — of the experiences people have been having since that came down. 

I mean, think about it.  In some of these states there’s no exception even for rape or incest, which means telling 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.  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.) 

And it is my pledge to you, 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 sign it into law.  Proudly. 

That’s why you got to get Tammy back to the Senate, by the way.  Okay?  (Applause.) 

Now, Donald Trump has a very different view on reproductive freedom, and he refuses continuously — he refuses continuously to acknowledge the harm he has caused.  See for yourself.  Let’s roll a clip.

(A video clip is played.)

AUDIENCE:  Booo — 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right? 

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, okay, the courts will take care of that.  Let’s take care of November.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  We’ll take care of November.  

Now, I mean, seriously, so first of all, no, Donald, everybody did not want Roe v. Wade to be overturned.  Women are dying of sepsis because they cannot get the health care they need.  They did not want this.  Couples just trying to grow their family are being cut off in the middle of IVF treatments.  They did not want this. 

And now, I mean, it just gets more unbelievable sometimes.  (Laughter.)  And now, the man calls himself the “father of IVF”?  (Laughter.)  I mean, what does that even mean?  (Laughter.)  And — and all of that — well, he is the one who, by the way, is responsible for it being at risk in the first place. 

And what is sadly — what is sadly interesting, I think,

is that when you listen to Donald Trump talk, it becomes increasingly clear, I think, he has no idea what he’s talking about when it comes to the health care of women

in America.  (Applause.)

And across our nation — again, because this is serious, right? — you know, this is why you all are here and spending so much time when you could be doing other things. 

Listen, across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on other and additional hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights, like the freedom to vote — you see what’s happening around our country; attacks on the freedom to join a union; attacks on the freedom to just be safe from gun violence — (applause); attacks on 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 and it’s not 2020.  The stakes are even higher because, a few months ago, the Supreme Court told the former president that he is effectively immune no matter what he does in the White House. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Now, just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  Think about that.  He who has vowed, if reelected, he will be a dictator on day one —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — that he will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies.  He who calls Americans who disagree with him the “enemy from within,” and — yes — and says that if reelected, he would use the military to go after them. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

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

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.

So, Wisconsin, it comes down to this.  I know we are all here together because we know what is at stake, and we are here together because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love — we love our country.  (Applause.)

And I do believe it is one of the highest forms of patriotism, of an expression of the love of our country to then fight for its ideals and to fight to realize the promise of America, and that’s what we are doing.  (Applause.)

So, Election Day is in 19 days.  (Applause.)  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 in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it today. 

And remember, Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, so if — (applause) — right? — so if you are not registered to vote, you can register when you vote on Election Day or early. 

Because, folks, the election is here, and so we know we need to organize.  We need to energize.  We need to mobilize.  And we got to remind everybody:  Your vote is your voice and your voice is your power.  In a democracy, it still remains true that each individual has the power — each individual has the power to weigh in on this. 

And so, Wisconsin, today 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                7:23 P.M. CDT

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

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

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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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