Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Biden surprises Chester supporters
CHESTER » Former vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden made a surprise visit to volunteers preparing Democratic “Get Out The Vote” packages at campaign headquarters on the Avenue of the States across from City Hall Monday afternoon.
Biden spoke to the about two dozen volunteers for about 15 minutes, thanking them for their efforts and encouraging them to stay safe.
“He talked about howwe could become safer from the COVID outbreak and to keep pushing forward, considering we don’t have a quick solution,” said Alexandra McFadden of Philadelphia, who was at the event. “He was also very gracious about volunteers putting in their time.”
Greg Trader of Upper Chichester had the chance to ask Biden a couple of questions. One was about “court packing.”
“The media constantly harps on that. I asked if he could point out that the Republicans have been packing the lower courts for several administrations,” said Trader. “He ( Biden) said he will bring about a bipartisan commission to study the issue and come up with viable alternates on ways to address that.”
Trader also asked Biden to remind critics of former President Barack Obama’s success in handling the ebola virus health threat.
“He’s very down to earth. He was very kind with his time. He talked to us like somebody who obviously knew his stuff, but also respecting our intelligence to process it and it felt like having a real nice political
discussion at the kitchen table,” McFadden said. “He was very empathetic, something
I’ve missed seeing in a leader.”
“One of things I respect about him is the mask,” Trader said.
As word spread that Biden was in the city, a crowd of more than 50 people stood in front of City Hall and along the Avenue of the States, trying to get a glimpse.
McFadden said she was very excited to see the former vice president.
“My mom texted me, ‘ Biden’s in Chester,’” she said. “I replied, ‘ I know - he’s right next to me!’”
He then spoke to members of the national press. As Biden spoke, a group of people from the Philadelphia Nazarene Narrative broke out in song, singing hymns.
“We’re praying for our nation. We’re non- political, praying for our cities like Chester and Philadelphia,” said the Rev. Owen Gowans, one of the pastors on hand. “We’re praying to help stop the violence in the city.”
After speaking to the press, Biden waved to the crowd and thanked them for coming out. He saw a woman waving excitedly froma second floor window and joked, “Don’t jump!” as he waved back.
A number of local officials joined Biden at the event, including U. S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D- 5 of Swarthmore, Chester Mayor Thaddaus Kirkland, and Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther.
“I am so grateful to Vice President Biden for stopping by to thank volunteers in Chester today,” Scanlon said. “We have just a few more days to get out the vote.”
Scanlon also observed the record turnout form ailin ballots in the county.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm. I’ve been over at the Government Center a couple days at lunch time. People are just streaming up,” said Scanlon. “Tuesday is the last day you can request a mail- in ballot.”
Scanlon reminded voters that if theirmail- in ballot had been requested but not received, they can go to the local voter service centers and get a replacement mail- in ballot.
After a few moments talking to officials, Biden and his entourage were back in SUVs headed south. He had arrived with a phalanx of Secret Service, some in military gear, who had been diligent in keeping bystanders on the sidewalk across the street.
Kirkland thanked Biden for coming to his city and told him of the importance of his visit.
“I just told him how much we appreciate him being here. It energizes the community, the voters. It’s good to see you’re next door in Delaware, you can stop by and see little old Chester.”
Kirkland also told Biden that candidates running for president who visit Chester often win, mentioning past visits from John F. Kennedy and Obama.
“Hillary ( Clinton) was unable to get here and we see the outcome!” Kirkland noted.