SCRANTON, Pa. — President Joe Biden made a significant campaign stop in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, where he energetically supported Vice President Kamala Harris. The president’s speech was marked by his characteristic straightforwardness, a quality that has become evident in his recent public appearances.
In his address, Biden criticized former President Donald Trump and his supporters, particularly regarding economic policies that he argued disproportionately favor the wealthy. He claimed that Trump’s agenda includes an extensive tax cut aimed at the rich, saying, “There’s one more thing Trump and his Republican friends want to do. They want to have a giant tax cut for the wealthy.” Biden seemed to poke fun at those who might idolize Trump’s so-called machismo, adding, “Now, I know some of you guys are tempted to think it’s macho guys.” He elaborated, highlighting his Scranton roots by sharing a humorous anecdote: “I tell you what, man, when I was in Scranton, we used to have a little trouble going down the plot once in a while. These are the kind of guys you’d like to smack in the ass.”
At a separate rally later that night in North Carolina, Trump took a jab at Biden, jesting, “I don’t even know, is he still around?” The crowd in Scranton responded positively to Biden’s remarks, finding humor in his off-script style, which has become a regular feature of his speeches lately. Despite his support for Harris, Biden has not been aggressively promoting her campaign with numerous public appearances.
This past week, Biden drew attention for responding to derogatory remarks made at a Trump rally by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who had referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” Biden retorted, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” a comment that prompted White House staff to modify the official transcript, leading to discontent among transcription officials who document presidential comments.
In a prior campaign stop in New Hampshire, Biden created a stir when he suggested that Trump should be “locked up,” later clarifying that he meant politically, not criminally, but his comments continue to create waves in the political discourse.
During his address in Scranton, Biden urged attendees to exercise their voting rights for the benefit of their families and communities. He implored the crowd, saying, “Don’t forget where you come from,” which elicited cheers and applause. “Don’t leave behind the people you grew up with,” he emphasized, reminding listeners of the importance of their roots and communal ties.
