Just as Joe Biden celebrated the Democratic nomination with a parking lot full of supporters in Delaware last month, his wife Dr. Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris’ husband, spoke to a drive-in rally of Democrats in Cedar Rapids this Saturday. With over 70 cars and 130 attendees enthusiastically honking at their applause lines, Biden and Emhoff encouraged activists to help turn out the early vote.
“I am so glad to be back here. And we are counting on you to turn out as soon as early voting starts in nine days, on October 5th,” Emhoff said to the crowd. “Because on Election Day, we want there to be no doubt that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won a decisive mandate from the American people — a mandate that our current president will not be able to refute no matter how hard he tries.”
While the final result in Iowa is likely to be close — three polls last week ranged from Biden +3 to tied to Trump +6 — it should at least be known in a timely manner. Unlike other states that may take several days post-election to count ballots, Iowa this past week approved the Secretary of State’s request to begin the process of opening (though not counting) absentee ballots the weekend before Election Day to speed things up. Trump has been counting on uncertainty on election night to falsely claim voter fraud if he loses.
“Cynics play to our fears,” Jill Biden said in Cedar Rapids. “They tell us we can’t make a difference because they don’t want us to try. They know that, together, our voices are more powerful than they could ever be. And we have to show them that power. We have to believe that our communities are stronger than the challenges we face — because they are. We have to believe that our votes matter — because they do. We have to show up, right now, and work like we have never worked before.”
Before the rally, Biden and Emhoff toured some of the remaining derecho storm damage in Cedar Rapids. They visited Sinclair Park and helped with some cleanup efforts along with Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer.
Both Biden and Emhoff were frequent visitors to the state during the Iowa Caucus, stumping for their spouse with Democratic activists for many months, and attracting their own fan bases among Iowa Democrats. Though Biden himself has not returned to the state since the caucus, in part due to the coronavirus limiting campaign travel, several campaign surrogates have done events here.
“[Joe Biden] and Kamala have the fortitude to lead us out of Donald Trump’s chaotic America,” Jill Biden said. “They have the character to help us heal, and the vision to rebuild, for a future that is better than ever.”
by Pat Rynard
Posted 9/28/20
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