OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Former President Joe Biden made a spirited return to the political stage on Friday, addressing a crowd of 800 attendees in the downtown Hilton ballroom in Omaha. His entrance was met with applause, setting a positive tone for the evening as he connected with members of the Democratic Party.
Biden began by referencing the recent Democratic victories in several key elections, including gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia and a significant mayoral victory in New York. He also highlighted a critical redistricting decision in California, which ignited further cheers from the audience. This marked a triumphant moment for Biden, as he called for a political comeback to energize the Democrats in a state that has consistently favored Republican candidates since 1968.
In his remarks, he recognized the struggles faced by local Democrats, specifically noting the resilience and efforts put forth by activists and supporters. "You know what it feels like to be outnumbered," he said, acknowledging the Republican dominance in Nebraska while encouraging attendees to keep making their voices heard. Biden emphasized that the nation needed their participation and activism more than ever.
Biden's speech was filled with motivational rhetoric, as he reflected on his presidency's achievements, notably in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting economic recovery. However, he strategically avoided discussing the previous year's challenges and the debates over the Democrats' loss to Donald Trump. Instead, he shared his thoughts on the values he and his party stand for, expressing a dedication to middle-class support and equality.
Amid the uplifting atmosphere, Biden lightheartedly acknowledged his age, quipping, "I have the dubious distinction. I'm the youngest ever man elected to the U.S. Senate and I'm the oldest damn president," mixing humor with his message. Despite delivering his address in a somewhat subdued tone, he was able to rally the audience with spirited critiques of the Trump administration.
The event served as a fundraiser and indicated Biden's efforts to re-establish his political presence as the 2024 election approaches. His recent health struggles, including radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer, were not mentioned, although he referenced cancer in the context of his late son, Beau Biden. This presentation marked his first purely political engagement since early September, as the anticipation for the upcoming presidential election heightens.
Throughout his 30-minute speech, Biden's themes resonated well, leading to standing ovations from his audience as he reiterated key principles he believes in. As he concluded his address, supporters expressed their admiration with shouts of "Thank you, Joe!" signaling a strong connection between the former president and his base.
The evening was marked not only by speeches but by a sense of renewed energy among Democratic ranks in Nebraska. With Biden's encouragement, many felt inspired to continue their efforts in challenging the Republican status quo, with aspirations for future electoral victories within the state.
