Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden spent time at a Mississippi black baptist church and a campaign rally to get out the vote ahead of tomorrow's primary election. MPB's Desare Frazier reports.
Hundreds filled Tougaloo College's Kroger Gym for Vice President Joe Biden's campaign rally yesterday. Actress Vivica Fox and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick came to support him. Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson made the introduction. As Biden took to the podium people chanted:
"We want Joe," said Biden.
"I love HBCU's. They're the heart and pride of our communities. As president I'm going to invest another $70 billion in them over the next ten years." said Biden.
Biden said "what a difference a week makes" referring to last Tuesday, when he became the frontrunner for the Democratic Party Nomination, winning primaries in 10 out of 14 states against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. He said tomorrow Mississippians will have their say and he needs their support.
"If you want a nominee who will beat Donald Trump, keep the House of Representatives, win back the
U.S. Senate, join us. If you want a nominee who is actually a Democrat, a lifelong Democrat, a proud Democrat, an Obama-Biden Democrat, join us," said Biden.
Among the issues Biden talked about--making healthcare affordable, increasing funding for education, combating climate change and healing the divisiveness in the country.
"Winning means uniting America, not sowing more division, hatred and anger. It means not only fighting, but healing the country. Presidents have to heal. Presidents cannot hold grudges. Presidents have to bring us together," said Biden.
The former vice president says he refuses to be in an unending war with Republicans because nothing will be accomplished. Twenty-four year old Ashley Hollins of Jackson thinks Biden can beat Sanders in the party primary and ultimately defeat President Donald Trump.
"Bernie has good policies that he says that he can bring into the White House. Can he actually do it?
Will congress support him doing it? Will he be able to get the Senate and the House to turn back blue and I don't think he has that on is back, but I think Joe Biden definitely does," said Hollins.
Maggie Wynn Fortier says she's a Yellow-Dog Democrat and wanted to hear what Biden had to say.
"I like his message. I like his integrity. I like his morals. I like his willingness to listen and communicate with the people," said Fortier.
Jason McCarty of Brandon appreciates that the candidate talks about issues effecting Mississippi like more funding for education.
"He spoke a lot about education. I think especially in Mississippi, that's been something we've been battling with even in our statehouse. To see a national person talk education and funding education. The student debt, we are dying in student debt loans and the just the overall bringing the people back together," said McCarty.
Biden spoke for just under 15 minutes urging voters to go to the polls Tuesday.
"This is the United States of America. It's within our power. It's within our power. We have never ever, ever, ever failed when we've done it together. So, get up. Let's take back this country. There's nothing, nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together," said Biden.
Senator Bernie Sanders was scheduled to speak in Jackson Friday but canceled to focus on campaigning in Michigan. Surrogates for the senator including Jackson's Mayor Chockwe Lumumba and actor Danny Glover campaigned for the candidate over the weekend.
