First Lady Jill Biden Hosts ‘Invigorating Rally’ of Democratic Volunteers in Winston-Salem – Winston-Salem Journal

“I know we are tired. I know we are tired. We have to find the strength to carry on,” Biden told about 150 supporters.

She asked them to remember what it was like the morning after the 2016 election, when Trump upset Hillary Clinton, shocking most prognosticators.

“Do you remember that feeling?” Biden asked. “Let this feeling sustain, invigorate and sustain you. We cannot allow this to happen again.”

The latest New York Times/Sienna poll, released Nov. 3, showed Harris leading Trump 48 percent to 46 percent among likely voters in North Carolina, which falls within the margin of error.

Tanya Reilly, a Democratic volunteer campaigning, writing postcards and calling voters, said Biden’s 10-minute speech provided a much-needed boost of energy.

“It was like a little pep rally, the last hurray to go,” said Riley, wearing a Harris T-shirt.

It was Biden’s second visit to the city in the past year, but the first to campaign for Harris, who replaced her husband, President Joe Biden, as the Democratic presidential nominee in July.

In January, Biden stopped by Forsyth Technical Community College for a 45-minute visit that coincided with the announcement of $30 million in new investments for North Carolina, part of the CHIPS and Science Act, part of federal legislation that supports scientific research and the creation of jobs in innovative technologies.

Biden is one of several high-profile surrogates to root for Harris around the country, but one of the few to visit Winston-Salem. Earlier Monday, the Reverend Al Sharpton and members of the Central Park Five were at Union Baptist Church on Trade Street.

Two weeks ago, Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, campaigned at Carver High School. But neither Trump nor his running mate, JD Vance, visited Winston-Salem, choosing instead to rally in Greensboro.

At Democratic headquarters Monday, Biden touched on some of Harris’ usual campaign talking points — her “opportunity economy,” which includes child tax credits and reproductive rights for women. She also described Harris as calm and determined.

“Let’s remind people that character and temperament matter,” Biden said.

She thanked the volunteers for their support.

“That’s it,” she said.

“Thank God,” one of the volunteers said, a remark that made Biden laugh.