Biden Passes Torch to Harris as Duo Hits Key Battlegrounds

AFP/APP
Pittsburgh: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned together for the first time on Monday, marking a significant show of unity after Harris took over as the Democratic candidate, rekindling the party’s hopes for the upcoming election.
The duo met with union members in Pittsburgh, a critical battleground in Pennsylvania, before addressing approximately 600 supporters. Biden frequently mentioned Harris, who is in a tight race against Donald Trump for the presidency on November 5.
“We’ve made tremendous progress, and Kamala and I will continue to build on that progress,” Biden said. “I’ll be on the sidelines, but I’ll do everything I can to help.”
The Labor Day event at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union highlighted Biden’s role in the campaign as the election approaches. Despite initially resisting withdrawing from the race after a poor debate performance against Trump, the 81-year-old has now fully backed Harris, 59.
“There’s only one rational choice this time—Kamala Harris,” Biden said to enthusiastic cheers. “I know her. I trust her. She has a backbone like a ramrod and the compass of a saint. This woman knows what she’s doing. I promise you, electing Kamala Harris as president will be the best decision you’ve ever made.”
Harris, riding a wave of enthusiasm, has been holding packed rallies nationwide and receiving substantial donations in recent weeks. Polls indicate that her entry into the race has boosted the Democrats’ chances of defeating Trump, although the outcome remains uncertain.
In Pittsburgh, Biden and Harris shared an embrace and held hands before Harris praised him warmly. “Joe Biden has been one of the most transformative presidents in the history of the United States, and it comes from his heart,” she said. “Joe and I often talk about our pride in leading the most pro-union administration in American history.”
The crowd, echoing one of Harris’s campaign slogans, chanted, “We’re not going back!” as she spoke.
Meanwhile, Trump took the weekend off from campaigning and had no public events scheduled for Monday. The Harris campaign seized the opportunity, questioning Trump’s commitment to workers by highlighting his absence on Labor Day. In a post on his Truth Social platform,