Remarks in Wilmington - Aug. 12, 2020

… find ourselves in now. When other countries are following the science, Trump pushed a miracle cures he saw on Fox News. While other countries, were flattening the curve, he said the virus would just, poof, go away – like a miracle. So when other countries opened up for business, what did we do? We had to shut down again. This virus has impacted almost every country. But there is a reason it has hit America worse than any other advanced nation. It's because of Trump 's failure to take it seriously from the start.

His refusal, to get testing up and running; his flip-flopping on social distancing and wearing mask; his delusional belief he knows better than the experts – all of that is reason. And the reason that an American dies of COVID-19 every 80 seconds. Its why countless businesses have had to shut their doors for good. It's why there is complete chaos, over when and how to reopen our schools. Mothers and fathers are confused and uncertain and angry, about childcare and the safety of their kids at school – whether they will be in danger if they go, or fall behind if they don't. Trump, is also the reason millions of Americans are now unemployed. He inherited the longest economic expansion in history, from Barack Obama and Joe Biden. And then, like everything else he inherited, he ran it straight into the ground.

Because of trump 's failures of leaderships, our economy has taken one of the biggest hits out of all the major industrialized nations, with an unemployment rate that has tripled, as of today. This is what happens when we elect a guy, who just isn't up for the job. Our country ends up in tatters. And so does our reputation around the world. But let's be clear – this election is not just about defeating Donald Trump or Mike Pence. It's about building this country back, better. And that's exactly what Joe and I will do. We’ll create millions of jobs and fight climate change through a clean energy revolution; bring back critical supply chains, so the future is made in America. Build on the affordable care act so everyone has the peace of mind that comes with health insurance. And finally, offer caregivers the dignity, the respect, and the pay they deserve. We’ll protect a woman's right to make her own decisions about her own body; root out systemic racism in our justice system; and pass a new Voting Rights Act – a John Lewis Voting Rights Act – that will insure every voice is heard and every voice is counted.

The civil rights struggle is nothing new to Joe. It's why he got into public service; it's why he helped reauthorize the Voting Rights Act and restore unemployment discrimination laws. And today, he takes his place in the ongoing story of America's March toward a quality and justice as only, as the only, as the only, who has served alongside the first Black President and has chosen the first Black woman as his running mate. But as Joe always points out, this election, is about more than politics – it's about who we are as a country. And I'll admit, over the past four years there have been moments where I have truly worried about our future. But whenever I think, that there is a reason for doubt, whenever I've had my own doubts, I think of you, the American people – the doctors and nurses and frontline workers who are risking your lives to save others; the truck drivers and the workers in grocery stores, in factories and farms, working there, putting your own safety on the line to help us get through this pandemic; the women and students taking to the streets in unprecedented numbers; the dreamers and immigrants who know families belong together; the LGBTIQ Americans who know that love is love. People of every age, and color, and creed who are finally declaring in one voice, yes, Black Lives Matter. All across this country a whole new generation, of children, is growing up hearing the cries for justice – and the chants of hope on, which I was raised, some strapped into strollers of their own. And trust me, it's a song you will never forget. So to everybody keeping up the fight, you are doing something. You are doing something great. You are the heroes of our time. And you are the reason I know we are going to bring our country, closer, to realizing its great promise. But to do it, we need to work, organize and vote like never before – because we need more than a victory on November 3. We need a mandate that proves that the last few years do not represent who we are, or who we aspire to be. Joe likes to say that character is on the ballot and it's true. When he saw what happened in Charlottesville three years ago today, he knew we were in a battle for the soul of our nation. And together, with your help, that’s a battle we will win. Earlier this year, I said I’d do whatever Joe asked me to do – now I'm asking you to do the same. So visit joebiden.com to get involved in this campaign, and vote. Because electing Joe Biden is just the start of the work ahead of us. And I couldn't be prouder, to be by his side, running to represent you, the people. Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Harris, K. [Joe Biden]. (2020, August 12) Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Deliver Remarks in Wilmington | Joe Biden For President 2020 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XMg8ns59yY]. Retrieved on April 21, 2022 from https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ZFN9Tx6xh-skXCuRHCDpQ.