Fresh off his State of the Union speech , President Joe Biden arrived at Strath Haven Middle School on Friday with first lady Jill Biden.Biden, wearing a casual sweater, cheered up the audience of Democratic stalwarts.
The first couple was introduced by Chichi Ilonzo Momah, who owns Springfield Pharmacy.
Momah, a small business owner, expressed her passion for providing the best care for Delaware County patients, inspired by the American dream.
“I am passionate about 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 mentioned that healthcare advocates have an ally in Joe Biden.
After Momah introduced the first lady, both she and the president came out to a loud applause.
Jill Biden spoke in support of her husband before criticizing former president and presumed Republican nominee Donald Trump.
She condemned Trump for belittling the late U.S. Sen. John McCain and other veterans.
President Biden then spoke, summarizing many 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 attempting to take away our freedoms. That is not an exaggeration,” Biden said. “But guess what, we will not let him.”
Biden attributed recent controversies regarding in vitro fertilization and the overturning of Roe v. Wade to Trump.
“He repeatedly bragged about it … He got his wish and states are passing bans, criminalizing doctors, and forcing rape and incest victims to seek care elsewhere,” said Biden.
Biden highlighted his efforts in healthcare, including Medicare reducing the cost of insulin.
Supporters cheered “Four more years,” as Biden spoke and called for capping the cost of insulin for all Americans.
Biden stated that he is running for president to restore the soul of America, rebuild the middle class, and unite the country.
“They are still my goals. They are still my goals,” Biden said.
Faithful wait for the prez
Attendees began lining up for the event around 1:30 p.m. as they passed 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 others so focus on them.”
A group against Biden was on Providence Road outside the middle school protesting the war in Gaza.
They chanted, “Genocide Joe has got to go,” along with other support for the Palestinians.
A truck with a Trump 2024 flag drove up the road, and another flag was seen in the front drive of this liberal community.
Democratic politicians were also there.
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon flew in with Biden on Air Force One.
Scanlon expressed excitement about welcoming President Biden back to Delco after the success of last night’s State of the Union speech. She praised the Biden Administration’s investments in the community, which are fixing roads and bridges, creating record numbers of jobs, and lowering costs for Pennsylvanians. She also looked forward to working to send President Biden back to the White House in November.
State Sen. John Kane considered the visit a win for Delaware County.
“It’s nice to go from DC to Delco, I love it,” Kane said.
When asked why many blue collar voters don’t support the president personally, despite heavy union support, he referred to Biden’s State of the Union speech.
“He mentioned that 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.”
Four Strath Haven High School seniors who were talking to police officers would have liked to be inside but didn’t get tickets.
Andrew Deppen, Samuel Fritz, Zane Malarkey, and William Hall were waiting to see the president go by.
Fritz said, “I was disappointed they couldn’t get more students in there.”
“It’s really awesome. 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 were busy dealing with traffic and all the excitement.
Nether Prov Police Chief David Splain was working with the Secret Service as they monitored protesters.
When asked how things are going, he said, ”You have to talk to the Secret Service.”
