PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — President Joe Biden on Sunday attended a church service in Mt. Airy and surprised volunteers at a campaign office in Manayunk before flying to a campaign rally in Harrisburg. His visit to the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania comes amid questions from some Democrats about his viability as a candidate after a poor debate performance last month.
The president was originally going to visit the National Education Association convention in the city, but changed his plans when the NEA's staff formed a picket line outside the convention center.
“It’s good to be home,” Biden told the congregation of the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ. He spoke briefly — for only about seven minutes — but forcefully about the importance of the election.
“We need to protect our rights, the rights of all Americans, to make sure democracy works for you.”
Biden touched on some of the highlights of his policies that have aided the Black community, mentioning record-low unemployment for Black workers, record-high numbers of African Americans with health care coverage, and the cancellation of student debt.
The church pastor, Bishop Louis Felton, did the heavy lifting for the president.
“President Biden is coming back. He’s a comeback kid. He’s a fighter. He’s a champion. He’s a winner,” he bellowed from the pulpit.
Isaac Maefield of Mt. Airy was sitting in the pews as Biden delivered his speech.
“Seeing him today reinforced what I felt all along. He was clear to me today. We’re in a society that throws our elders away. Instead of revering them, we want to push them — just because someone doesn’t move as fast as they used to move. I don’t move as fast as I used to move.”
Congregant Yolanda Harris said she was somewhat reassured after listening to the president.
“Only time will tell, and we’re praying and hoping he’ll gain the strength that he needs to win the battle,” she said.
There was also quite a show of support from prominent Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Democrats, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, U.S. senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, Congressman Brendan Boyle, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, and Philadelphia Democratic Committee Chair Bob Brady, who met him at the airport.
Biden’s visit to a Black church is expected to help him energize African American voters, who are Democrats’ largest and most-loyal bloc of support. It could also send a message to members of the Congressional Black Caucus, whose endorsement the president will need as he works to quell potential rebellion on Capitol Hill.
A surprise visit from 'Dark Brandon'
The president was expected to leave Philadelphia for Harrisburg to speak at an organizing event with union members and local Democrats, but he first made a surprise stop in Manayunk to visit a campaign office there.
He spoke longer at his Manayunk stop than at the church, and with more vigor. At the campaign office, he was physically closer to people, and he could look them in the eyes.
“Dark Brandon’s coming back,” he said, joking with volunteers about his cooler, laser-eyed, satirical internet alter ego of meme fame.
He said American democracy is on the line in this election, and he had backup from Dean and Fetterman — both of whom spoke on his behalf.
“I know what it’s like to have a rough debate, and I’m standing here as your senator,” Fetterman said, brushing aside fears stemming from the debate.
As he did at the church, Biden spent a lot of time afterward shaking hands with people and speaking to them briefly as he worked his way through the room.
Volunteer Lola Kahn admitted she was concerned after watching the debate, but she never waivered.
“I’m sticking with Biden. It’s not how you fall down, it’s how you get back up. He had one bad night. He’s back. He’s on the trail, and I’m with Biden all the way.”
Mixed response among voters
The visits came as many within the Democratic Party have openly questioned whether Biden has the mental capacity to be president. Wayne Eastman from Orange, New Jersey, is one of those doubters. He was in town for the weekend and stood outside the church holding a sign reading "Joe: Pass the Torch."
“I feel both that President Biden will lose this election, and I also feel that he just is not capable of responsibly fulfilling the most demanding job in the world for another four more years.”
Andy from Germantown remains skeptical about his prospects in November. He brought his kids as he stood outside the church holding a sign reading: "Be the Bridge, Joe."
“It’s time for him to pass the torch. If he does that — if he steps aside — there will be an outpouring of gratitude. I personally think he’s been an incredible president. I think he’s absolutely up for the job. But clearly he’s not up for campaigning for the job.”
Many voters still support the president’s run. Marcella Manigo of Mt. Airy believes the president has redeemed himself after his alarming debate performance.
“Just like he says, ‘When you fall down you get back up.’ And all the trials and tribulations you go in life — don’t worry about what people say about you. When you fall down, you get back up.”
On Sunday evening, Biden returns to Washington, where leaders from NATO countries will gather for a three-day summit beginning Tuesday to mark the military alliance’s 75th anniversary.
The focus could shift more to Russia's war in Ukraine than questions about Biden's reelection campaign, but the 81-year-old Biden's political situation remains precarious.