Crowd Walks Out Early at Biden-Harris Event After VP Hands Stage to President

At a joint event held Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden faced a notable lack of enthusiasm from attendees, with many leaving the venue shortly after Harris handed over the podium to Biden.

This reaction highlighted a growing enthusiasm gap within the Democratic Party, exacerbated by Biden’s recent decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and Harris’ ascension as the party’s nominee.

The event, hosted at Prince George’s Community College, was intended to celebrate a new policy lowering prescription drug prices for Medicare Part D beneficiaries, with the changes set to take effect in 2026. Approximately 2,300 people attended, enduring long waits in nearly 90-degree heat. The new policy, part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, aims to reduce costs for seniors on drugs such as Januvia, Enbrel, and Eliquis, saving an estimated $1.5 billion annually.

However, the mood soured when Biden took the stage. Many attendees chose to leave rather than stay for Biden’s speech, a stark indication of the lack of support he faced. Biden’s re-election campaign was also marred by a poor debate performance in June, leading to his eventual withdrawal and endorsement of Harris.

During the event, Biden faced criticism from protesters accusing him of facilitating “genocide” in Gaza. His speech included a controversial remark about “beating Big Pharma,” echoing a previous gaffe from a debate. Meanwhile, Harris, aligning herself with Biden’s favoured policies, faced questions about her efforts to establish her identity as she prepares for the presidential race.

Harris, who will become the first female and second non-white president if elected, has been reshaping her public image to distance herself from Biden’s unpopularity. She has also emphasised her role in passing significant legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. She has started to lay out her policy proposals, including a federal ban on price gouging and a focus on inflation.

Dozens of attendees began to leave after Harris handed Biden the podium. REUTERS

The shift in Harris’ stance on various issues since her initial 2020 campaign has been noted, including her moves away from positions on fracking, border control, and healthcare. These changes aim to align her with the Democratic base better and address criticisms of Biden’s policies.

Despite her efforts, Harris has faced challenges, including her role in handling illegal immigration and her previous remarks on the Gaza conflict, which have affected her public perception. As she prepares for a critical speech on inflation, she continues to navigate the complexities of her position and the party’s expectations.

Harris led the crowd in chanting “Thank you, Joe!” for the president. AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

The political landscape remains tense as both Biden and Harris work to address internal party dynamics and public perception ahead of the upcoming election.

Dan Olczak

"Editor with expertise in politics and crime, also known for travel blogging."

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