Biden kicks off reelection campaign with populist speech aimed at unionists

President Joe Biden kicked off his presidential re-election campaign Saturday with a rally for union workers in Philadelphia at which he delivered a populist speech focused on the economy.

The president, who until now had focused on raising funds for his campaign, decided to meet with more than a thousand unionists who work in carpentry, airport services, and artists, among others.

During the event, Joe Biden gave a speech very similar to those he has given in the past, highlighting his climate actions and cost reductions on some medications and underlining the economic achievements and the “millions of new jobs” he has created since taking office.

Although polls have revealed that many voters are dissatisfied with how the president has handled the country’s economy, Biden assured that he believes the country “is about to take off.”

“The investments we’ve made these past three years have the power to transform this country for the next five decades. And guess who’s going to be at the center of the transformation? You. Unions, working people in this country,” he said.

Biden insisted on his aim to support the middle class and “invest in places and people that have been forgotten” while stressing that the wealthy should pay “their fair share” in taxes.

“If the investment bankers in this country went on strike tomorrow, no one would notice. Think about this in a literal sense. But if this room didn’t show up to work tomorrow, on Monday, the whole country will come to a grinding halt. So, tell me, tell me, who matters more in America?” he commented.

The president also tried to generate fear by asserting that Republicans intend to go after their jobs. “(They) are coming for your jobs. They’re coming for your job. They’re coming for your future. They’re coming for the future you’re building for your kids and your grandkids,” he said.