President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris joined forces on the campaign trail Monday in Pittsburgh’s tent city, arguing that their administration’s jobs record would boost workers again if Harris were sent to the White House.
It was Labor Day, which traditionally presented the political start of the fall campaign season in a battlefield setting. But it was a tradition that President Donald Trump skipped because, in an unusual move, he didn’t hit the mark on Sunday or Monday.
Trump has several stops planned later in the week, including North Carolina and Wisconsin, as well as a town hall in Pennsylvania and a visit to the Economic Club of New York. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
It’s rare for a president that Biden spoke in front of Harris at a rally, a sign that he’s giving him room to shine as they try to help Democrats retain power.
Biden personally vouched for Harris and promised to help “from the sidelines.” After saying Harris had the backbone of a “ramrod” and the morals of a “saint,” Biden held Harris’ hand and they hugged. Chants of “thank you, Joe” broke out as Biden began his speech.
Harris rallied the crowd by saying Americans should thank unions for the five-day work week, sick leave, paid family leave and vacation time.
Harris hung up on Trump’s impeachment, saying, “The courts will handle it, and we’ll handle November.”
Harris urged Pennsylvanians to vote early, reminding them that early voting is not far away. Residents of the state can start voting as early as September 16.
Harris also downplayed any confusion that his campaign was pulling ahead of Trump.
“We know it’s going to be a tight race until the end,” he said. “Let’s not pay too much attention to those polls.”
Recent polls have shown Harris gaining ground after Biden dropped to the top of the ticket. Harris has an advantage over Trump, but the numbers remain within the margin of error.
Biden, who has long touted himself as the most pro-union president, used part of the speech to tick off his contributions to labor. He trotted out some old standbys, including saying, “Wall Street didn’t build America; unions built America, and unions built the middle class.” He reminded the crowd that he was the first president to walk the picket line.
He also praised construction and investment during his administration, including in Pennsylvania, which has received $17 billion in infrastructure investment. Biden blasted Trump for promising but failing to develop infrastructure.
“He built no hell—nothing!” Biden said of Trump.
Biden said Harris carried the ball forward in advocating for workers’ rights, saying, “I’m on the sidelines. But I’m doing everything I can to help.”
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
