President Joe Biden delivered a powerful speech at a rally in Detroit, shifting the narrative from concerns about his age to a fierce critique of his rival, Donald Trump. With Oscar winner Octavia Spencer setting the stage, Biden’s address marked one of his strongest campaign moments for the 2024 election.
Setting the Stage: Octavia Spencer’s Introduction
The rally began with a stirring introduction by actress and activist Octavia Spencer. Spencer, known for her roles in Hollywood and her outspoken political views, did not hold back in her criticism of Trump and his allies. She highlighted Project 2025, a set of right-wing policy proposals developed by the Heritage Foundation, which aims to reshape the U.S. government and consolidate executive power. Spencer warned the crowd about the potential dangers of Trump’s return to power, emphasizing the need for strong, trustworthy leadership.
Biden Addresses Concerns About His Candidacy
Facing growing calls from politicians and celebrities to step down, Biden used the Detroit rally to address the concerns head-on. Recent polls, including a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, showed 56 percent of Democratic voters preferred Biden to step aside for another candidate. Acknowledging these concerns, Biden reassured his supporters of his commitment to the race.
“There’s been lots of speculation, ladies and gentlemen: What’s Joe Biden gonna do? Is he gonna stay in the race? Is he gonna drop out? I am running and we’re gonna win,” Biden declared, citing a Marist poll showing him leading Trump 50 to 48 percent.
Focusing on Key Issues
Biden’s speech touched on several key issues that resonate with Democratic voters. He reaffirmed his commitment to restoring reproductive rights, lowering drug prices, and expanding healthcare. These points served to remind the crowd of his accomplishments and future goals, rallying support for his campaign.
Attacking Trump’s Record and Policies
The core of Biden’s speech was a direct attack on Trump’s record and policies. He questioned whether Americans wanted to return to the chaos of Trump’s presidency, highlighting the loss of 3 million jobs under Trump’s administration. Biden pointed out that Trump is the only president besides Herbert Hoover to leave office with fewer jobs than when he started.
“That’s why I call him Donald ‘Herbert Hoover’ Trump,” Biden quipped, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Biden also criticized Trump’s economic policies, specifically the plan to impose a 10 percent tariff on all imports. He argued that such a policy would cost working families an additional $2,500 a year, countering recent price drops in cars, appliances, airfares, and groceries.
Highlighting Trump’s Legal Troubles
Biden did not shy away from mentioning Trump’s numerous legal issues. He brought up the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, where a judge found it “substantially true” that Trump raped Carroll. Biden repeated the word “rape” for emphasis, underscoring the severity of the accusations against Trump.
Addressing Interruptions and Broader Issues
At one point, Biden’s speech was interrupted by a pro-Palestine demonstrator who was quickly removed by security. Biden responded by acknowledging the demonstrator’s passion and expressing his hope for an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Rallying the Crowd and Reinforcing His Message
Despite the interruptions and challenges, Biden’s speech managed to energize the crowd. With chants of “Don’t you quit!” and “We’ve got your back!” the audience showed strong support for the president. Biden concluded his speech with a clear distinction between himself and Trump, emphasizing his experience, honesty, and commitment to democracy.
“I know I look 40 years old,” Biden joked. “I’m a little bit old, but with a little age comes a little wisdom. Here’s what I know: I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job, and I know Americans want a president, not a dictator.”
