By President Joe Biden traveled to Pennsylvania on Friday, a day after his first State of the Union address, to highlight his achievements and proposals for the nation. The president spoke at a rally in a Democratic stronghold, where he criticized his predecessor, Donald Trump, and urged the Congress to pass his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.
The president’s speech in Allegheny County, which he won by 19 points in 2023, was a sharp contrast to Trump’s last visit to the state in October, when he held a large rally in a rural area that defied the coronavirus restrictions. Biden, who wore a mask and maintained social distancing, accused Trump of mishandling the pandemic and endangering the lives of Americans.
“He came to office determined to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. In fact, he’s bragged about it repeatedly,” Biden said of Trump. “Do you know why it happened? I’ll tell you why. One reason: Donald Trump.”
Biden also touted his own record on combating the virus, which has claimed more than 500,000 lives in the U.S. He said that his administration has delivered more than 100 million vaccine doses in less than 60 days, and that he expects to have enough supply for every adult by the end of May.
A Push for His Economic Plan
The president also used his speech to push for his economic plan, which he said would create millions of jobs, rebuild the infrastructure, and help the middle class. He said that his plan would be paid for by raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and by closing the loopholes that allow them to avoid paying their fair share.
“Too many corporations raise their prices and pad their profits, charging you more and more for less and less,” Biden said. “That’s why we’re cracking down on corporations engaged in price gouging and deceptive pricing.”
Biden also called on the Congress to pass his $15 minimum wage proposal, his universal pre-K and free community college plan, and his immigration reform bill. He said that these measures would boost the economy and make the country more competitive and inclusive.
A Vision for the Future
The president also shared his vision for the future of the country, based on the core values that have defined America. He said that he believes in freedom, democracy, honesty, decency, fairness, and equality. He said that he wants to restore the trust and respect of the allies, and to confront the challenges and threats of the adversaries.
“Donald Trump sees the story differently,” Biden said. “He sees a story of resentment, revenge, retribution.”
The president also appealed to the unity and optimism of the American people, and urged them to work together to overcome the crises and divisions that the nation faces. He said that he is confident that the country will emerge stronger and better from this difficult time.
“We have to meet this moment as if our rights are at stake, because they are,” Biden said. “As if our democracy is on the line, because it is.”