On Labor Day, a day traditionally marking the political kickoff to the fall campaign season, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took center stage in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state. The duo used this opportunity to highlight their administration’s commitment to labor and underscore the significance of their policies in improving the lives of American workers. The rally, held in a union town with deep ties to the Democratic Party, was not just a celebration of labor but also a strategic move as Harris campaigns to succeed Biden in the White House.
In an unusual role reversal, Biden spoke before Harris at the rally, a clear indication that he is giving her space to shine as the Democratic frontrunner. Biden’s decision to speak first, and then cede the spotlight to Harris, was a symbolic gesture, emphasizing his confidence in her leadership and her ability to carry forward the Democratic legacy.
During his speech, Biden offered a heartfelt endorsement of Harris, describing her as having a “spine like a ramrod” and the “morals of a saint.” These words were not just praise but a public vow of support from the president, who pledged to help Harris “from the sidelines” as she takes on the challenges of the 2024 campaign. The rally was marked by a moment of camaraderie when Biden held Harris’ hand and the two embraced, a gesture that resonated deeply with the crowd, who broke out in chants of “thank you, Joe.”
Harris, seizing the moment, rallied the crowd by reminding them of the historical achievements of the labor movement. She passionately spoke about the five-day workweek, sick leave, paid family leave, and vacation time-rights that many Americans now take for granted, but which were hard-won by unions. Her speech was a call to action, urging Pennsylvanians to vote early and to stay vigilant in what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
Amid chants from the crowd calling for former President Donald Trump to be locked up, Harris skillfully redirected the focus, stating, “The courts will handle that, and we’ll handle November.” This statement not only defused the tension but also reinforced the campaign’s message of focusing on the future rather than getting bogged down in the past. Harris’s ability to steer the conversation and keep the focus on the issues at hand demonstrated her political acumen and readiness to lead.
Pennsylvania, with its 20 electoral votes, has long been a battleground in presidential elections, and both Biden and Harris understand its critical importance. Harris’s reminder that early voting in the state begins on September 16th was a strategic move, aimed at mobilizing voters and securing an early advantage. The early voting period provides an opportunity for the campaign to lock in votes before the final rush in November, and Harris’s emphasis on this point was a clear signal of the campaign’s strategy.
Recent polls have shown that Harris has gained ground since Biden stepped aside as the primary candidate, with some indicating a slight edge over Trump. However, the numbers remain within the margin of error, and Harris acknowledged that the race would be tight until the very end. “Let’s not pay too much attention to those polls,” she cautioned, urging her supporters to remain focused and determined.
Biden, who has long branded himself as the most pro-union president in American history, used his time at the podium to remind the crowd of his administration’s contributions to labor. He recounted his efforts to strengthen unions, protect workers’ rights, and invest in infrastructure-all pillars of his presidency. His declaration that “Wall Street didn’t build America; unions built America and unions built the middle class” was met with enthusiastic applause, a testament to the deep-rooted support for labor in Pittsburgh.
Biden also highlighted the $17 billion in infrastructure investments that Pennsylvania has received under his administration, contrasting this with Trump’s promises that never materialized. “He didn’t build a damn thing-nothing!” Biden said, criticizing his predecessor for failing to deliver on infrastructure. This line of attack is likely to resonate with voters in Pennsylvania, a state that has benefited significantly from Biden’s infrastructure policies.
Notably absent from the campaign trail on Labor Day was Donald Trump, who uncharacteristically chose not to hold any rallies or public events on Sunday or Monday. While his campaign has several stops planned later in the week, including visits to North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, his decision to skip the traditional Labor Day events raised eyebrows. Trump’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment, leaving speculation about his strategy.
Trump’s absence on Labor Day may signal a shift in his campaign approach, as he faces increasing legal challenges and a more competitive race against Harris. His upcoming appearances, including a town hall in Pennsylvania and a visit to the Economic Club of New York, will likely be closely watched as he tries to regain momentum.
As the 2024 campaign heats up, the rally in Pittsburgh was a pivotal moment for both Biden and Harris. It was a display of unity, strength, and determination to continue the work they started together. For Harris, it was an opportunity to step out of Biden’s shadow and establish herself as a formidable candidate in her own right. For Biden, it was a chance to solidify his legacy as a champion of labor and to pass the torch to his vice president.
With the election just over a year away, the road to November 2024 promises to be a challenging one. The race between Harris and Trump is expected to be closely contested, with both sides gearing up for a hard-fought battle. As Harris herself acknowledged, “This is going to be a tight race until the very end.” But with the support of Biden and the backing of labor, she is poised to make a strong bid for the White House.
