Former Vice President Joe Biden paid a visit to Rhode Island Sunday, stumping for state Democrats.
Biden headlined a rally at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence at 4:30 p.m.
Gov. Gina Raimondo and the state’s entire congressional delegation, U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Reps. Jim Langevin and David Cicilline were there, speaking to supporters.
Senator Jack Reed introduced his former colleague in the Senate to a thunderous applause.
“He served the United State Senate, and of course as Vice President, our best Vice President, he made an extraordinary contribution to this country,” Reed said. “A great man, a great friend, our Vice President Joe Biden.”
Biden began his speech, reminiscing about Rhode Island’s former Senators Pastore and Pell, then quickly turned to why he believes Governor Gina Raimondo deserves a second term.
“I came up when your governor was first elected and as vice president because she decided she was going to try to restore some of your decrepit bridges that were literally unsafe and people might die. She decided it was important to make sure that your roads were looked after. She was one who was just all about doing the job. You know, governor’s a real job, man, they know where you live and you’re expected to get things done on basic, basic things. And I think you’re one of the best governors in the United States of America,” Biden said.
I couldn't agree more. https://t.co/P21imkVJEu
— Gina Raimondo (@GinaRaimondo) September 30, 2018
Raimondo, Whitehouse, Langevin and Cicilline face challengers. Reed is not up for re-election.
The Republican National Committee issued the following statement in response to Biden’s appearance in Rhode Island.
“Gina Raimondo is clearly in need of a campaign boost and is hoping Joe Biden can help. After surviving a challenge from her own party in the primary, Raimondo continues to struggle today, with a plurality of voters believing Rhode Island is heading in the wrong direction. Bringing in the former vice president to offer support is not enough to make voters forget that her first term has been plagued with scandals while the state loses jobs. Reckless Raimondo’s failed record speaks for itself, and Rhode Islanders will be ready to make a change this November.” – RNC Spokesperson Ellie Hockenbury
Sunday’s event was open to the public.
Biden is ramping up his midterm campaign travel as he also mulls whether to run for president in 2020.
