Fresh off his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden rolled into Strath Haven Middle School on Friday afternoon joined by first lady Jill Biden.
Biden was dressed casually in a sweater and was in high spirits as he rallied an audience of Democratic stalwarts.
The first couple was introduced by small business owner Chichi Ilonzo Momah, owner of Springfield Pharmacy.
“I am passionate for advocating for the best care for the patients of Delaware County. We are Delco strong,” she said. “I was inspired by the American dream.”
Momah said heath care advocates have an ally in Joe Biden.
After Momah introduced the first lady, both she and the president came out to wild applause.
Jill Biden advocated for her husband before tearing into former president and presumed Republican nominee Donald Trump.
She criticized Trump for his belittling of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain and other veterans in the past.
President Biden then spoke, reviewing many of the points from Thursday’s State of the Union.
“Folks, your freedoms are really on the ballot this November. Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are trying to take away our freedoms. That is not an exaggeration,” Biden said. “But guess what, we will not let him.”
Biden blamed Trump for the recent controversies involving in vitro fertilization and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“He bragged about it repeatedly … He got his wish and states are passing bans, criminalizing doctors, forcing rape and incest victims to leave the state to get care,” said Biden.
Biden touted his efforts on heath care, including Medicare lowering the cost of insulin.
Supporters cheered “Four more years,” as Biden spoke and called for capping the cost of insulin for all Americans.
Biden said he was again running for president for three reasons: To restore the soul of America, to rebuild the middle class and to unite the country.
“They are still my goals. They are still my goals,” Biden said.
Faithful wait for the prez
Folks began lining up for the event about 1:30 p.m. as they made their way through credential and security lines.
Jason Kutz of Bethel said he was coming no matter what.
“(After) Last night, I’m kind of ready to run through a brick wall for President Biden,” Kutz said. “I’m really excited to hear what he has to say.”
Also in attendance was Michelle Slaven of Wallingford, a teacher at Ardmore Avenue Elementary School in Lansdowne, who said she was able to get a ticket through her union.
“I thought the State of the Union was great, really builds up our energy and we’re moving forward from here,” she said.
Asked what could help Biden in the polls, Slaven said the president needs to keep the energy up and focus on the issues.
“I think it would be good to go places where people are a little undecided and invite people who are on the fence,” she said. “He’s got my vote. He may not have other so focus on them.”
One group that didn’t support Biden was along Providence Road in front of the middle school protesting the war in Gaza.
“Genocide Joe has got to go,” they chanted along with other calls in support of the Palestinians.
A truck drove up the road with a Trump 2024 flag flying while another flag could be seen in the front drive of this liberal community.
Dem politicos there, too
Flying in with Biden on Air Force One was Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon.
“We are excited to welcome President Biden back to Delco after the success of last night’s State of the Union speech,” Scanlon said. “The Biden Administration’s historic investments in our community are fixing roads and bridges, creating record numbers of good American jobs, and lowering costs for all Pennsylvanians. Delco elects presidents, and we’re looking forward to working together to send President Biden back to the White House in November.”
State Sen. John Kane said the visit is a win for Delaware County.
“It’s nice to go from DC to Delco, I love it,” Kane said.
Asked why many blue collar voters don’t support the president personally, despite the heavy union support, he referred to Biden’s State of the Union speech.
“He mentioned Wall Street didn’t build this country, blue collar people did and Delco is a blue collar county,” he said. “He’s not going to get all the endorsements but he will get most, I can assure you that.”
One group that would have liked to be inside but didn’t get tickets were four Strath Haven High School seniors who were talking to police officers.
Andrew Deppen, Samuel Fritz, Zane Malarkey and William Hall were waiting to see the president go by.
“I was disappointed they couldn’t get more students in there,” said Fritz.
“It’s really super cool. I can’t believe that there are all these Secret Service and trucks here, so it’s pretty crazy,” Malarkey added.
Nether Providence police and officers from across the county had their hands full dealing with traffic and all the excitement.
Nether Prov Police Chief David Splain was working with the Secret Service as they monitored protesters.
Asked how things are going he said, ”You have to talk to the Secret Service.”
