Joe Biden endorses Hillary Clinton, says Trump "has no clue"
by Morgan Allen
Journalism Intern
He walked out to the theme from "Rocky" receiving a standing ovation as he went. When Joe Biden took the stage, chants of "Joe Joe Joe" rang out and the Vice President simply said "Thank you. I love you".
When Joe Biden accepted his nomination as Vice President eight years ago in Denver, he did it with a full background of fighting for human rights all across the world. In his tenure, he has since turned his sights to injustice in America, such as the marriage equality movement and anti-sexual assault campaigns like “It’s On Us.” To him, “every day has been an honor.”
But tonight, Wednesday July 27, 2016, his mission was different.
He said that his wife Dr. Jill Biden and he were not only coworkers, but also friends and family of the Obamas, calling the President “one of the finest we have ever had” and “a man of character.”
The crowd cheered wildly at the mention of the Obama family, one of many spouts of praise during Biden’s speech.
But for the Vice President, it was a bittersweet moment to be on stage at the convention again. “I see many friends and colleagues,” he said, but one was missing.
His son, and fellow politician Beau Biden died of brain cancer in May of 2015. Biden had been an advocate of funding for cancer research since his son was diagnosed in 2010.
Going on, Biden outlined why Hillary Clinton needs to be the next Commander-in-Chief because it is her “life story” to help those in need. This was the first time Biden has actively campaign for Clinton, as his previous appearance on the campaign trail was postponed due to the Dallas shooting.
“I’ve known Hillary for well over 30 years … I know what she’s passionate about. Hillary understands.”
Biden, a massive women’s rights activist, went on to express exactly what a Hillary Clinton presidency would mean to young women in the United States.
“We all understand what it will mean to our daughters and granddaughters when Hillary Clinton walks into the oval office as President of the United States,” he said.
“It will change their lives! My daughters and granddaughters can do anything any son or grandson can do!”
He also mentioned the fight of the middle class, and the current GOP’s lack of emphasis on their fight.
“If you live in the neighborhoods like Jill and I grew up in. If you worry about your job, getting a decent pay, your child’s education, your taking care of an elderly parent: there’s one person who has always been there for you. [Hillary] is always there … so has Tim Kaine.” He said.
Biden then turned the second half of his speech into a direct attack on Donald Trump.
“His lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in a phrase I suspect he’s most proud of having made famous, ‘you’re fired,'” Biden said.
“How can there be pleasure in saying ‘you’re fired?’ He’s trying to tell us he cares about the middle class? Give me a break! That’s a bunch of malarkey!”
“This guy doesn’t have a clue about the middle class, not a clue!” Biden said, going on to deliver the most powerful line of his speech.
“He has no clue what can make America great! Well, he has no clue period!”
At the mention of the phrase, the crowd began to wildly chant “Not a clue! Not a clue!”
After letting out a chuckle, Biden became very solemn.
“Let me say something that has nothing to do with politics; that I am deadly serious about,” he began.
“This is a complicated and uncertain world we live in. The threats are too great, the times are too uncertain to elect Donald trump as president of the United States. No major party has ever known less or has been less prepared to deal with our national security. We cannot elect a man who exploits ISIS and other terrorist. It betrays our values, it alienates those who we need in the fight against ISIS.”
There has been much protest concerning Donald Trump’s ability to handle war and other international relations.
“We simply cannot let that happen as Americans. Period.” He stated emphatically.
“Let me tell you what I’ve told all of the world leaders: It’s never been a good bet to bet against America. We have the finest fighting force in America. Not only do we have the largest economy in the world, but we have the strongest economy in the world. Americans have never let their country down never ever, ever. We do not scare easily. We endure we overcome and we always move forward.”
Biden left the stage to a standing ovation and massive applause after ending with a raucous “We’re American!”
Additional reporting by Sara Ritsch and Sarah Boone
Copyright The Gayly - 7/27/2016 @ 9:13 p.m. CDT