President Joe Biden landed in Detroit on Friday afternoon, marking his fourth visit to the city this year. The gymnasium at Detroit Renaissance High School was packed to capacity, with an overflow crowd spilling into adjacent areas. Biden’s visit comes at a pivotal moment as he aims to rally his supporters and address mounting concerns about his health and mental fitness for re-election. As the viable yet unofficial Democratic nominee, Biden faces increasing pressure to step aside in favor of a younger candidate.
Detroit, however, stood firmly behind him. The crowd erupted in chants of “Motown is Joe Town” and “Don’t you quit,” showing their unwavering support and in true Detroit fashion – their persistent loyalty. This visit is Biden’s attempt to shift the narrative and solidify his commitment to leading the nation through turbulent times.
The urgency within the Democratic Party has intensified since Biden’s awkward debate performance. Party members are increasingly anxious, and discussions of a new, younger candidate to lead the party are gaining traction. Biden previously positioned himself as a “bridge” to the next generation of leaders, a promise that many now urge him to fulfill. His appearance at the NAACP Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner in May was an attempt to solidify support from Black voters, a crucial demographic for his campaign.
Biden’s return to Detroit on Friday underscored the delicate position he finds himself in. During his previous visit to Detroit, he had proclaimed himself a bridge to future leaders. Now, he faces demands from his party to honor that pledge by stepping aside. Despite a disastrous debate performance that sparked a wave of calls for him to end his candidacy, Biden remains steadfast in his decision to run for re-election. “I got a job to finish, and I promise I’m OK,” Biden said at a Northville restaurant on Friday. When questioned about his role as a bridge to the next generation, Biden cited the unprecedented challenges he inherited regarding the economy, foreign policy, and domestic division. He emphasized the need to finish the job he started.
“I will stand up to anyone, anytime, anywhere who tries to stand in the way of our democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson during the rally.
In the wake of his debate debacle, Biden and his team have been working tirelessly to reassure lawmakers, donors, and the electorate of his capability to continue as president at the age of 81. Despite extensive travel to battleground states, numerous interviews, and a rare solo news conference, concerns within the party about Biden’s candidacy and his prospects against Donald Trump remain high.
“When Donald Trump comes here, he does it to help himself,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan at Friday’s rally. “When Joe Biden comes here, he does it to help Detroit.”
Biden appeared not only ready to take the fight to Trump, but also to feed off the crowd’s ceaseless energy. His voice remained strong, and his demeanor was feisty during a 35-minute address. “I am running and we’re going to win. I’m not going to change anything,” Biden declared, dismissing any notion that he might leave the race despite questions about his age and fitness for another term. “I’m the only Democrat or Republican that has ever beaten Donald Trump and I’m going to beat him again.”
Biden thundered, “I know him. Donald Trump is a loser,” as he began his speech, rallying the pro-labor crowd with promises to protect Social Security, lower prescription drug costs, expand healthcare, institute an assault weapons ban, and safeguard abortion rights. “Above all else, we’re going to stand up for our constitution and save our democracy,” he vowed.
Biden’s campaign acknowledges that his path to the White House is narrowing, emphasizing the importance of the “blue wall” states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. While other battleground states like Arizona and Nevada are still considered in play, Michigan’s sizable Black population makes Detroit a critical focal point for his campaign efforts. Rallying enthusiasm in Detroit could prove decisive for Biden’s chances in Michigan, a state he reclaimed in 2020 after Trump’s narrow victory there in 2016.
“We are committed to protecting and preserving our democracy,” Benson emphasized. “But today, I’m here with one last ask: I’m asking you to recognize that you, our voters, ensure that our democracy will remain secure for all. Don’t forget for one minute that the eyes of the world are on Michigan this year.”
Despite the importance of Detroit, key Democratic leaders in Michigan will be absent from Biden’s Friday event. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, co-chair of Biden’s campaign, will be out of the state. Senator Gary Peters and Representative Elissa Slotkin, both strong supporters of Biden, will also be absent. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who Biden actively courted during last year’s strikes, will be traveling for a conference. Meanwhile, Representative Hillary Scholten has joined the growing chorus of Democrats calling for Biden to step aside.
“Too many people are having fun getting on TV and trashing our president,” Lieutenant Garlin Gilchrist II said during the rally. “I think sometimes they forget what unites us. We believe that the freedom to be your whole self…is a right available to every person in this city and in this state, and there’s only one person who represents that in this race, and that’s Joe Biden. We do not trust this man [Trump] to hold the keys to our future. This man is dangerous to our city and to our state.”
The importance of having the strongest possible candidate for 2025 and beyond is paramount for many within the party. Scholten’s statement reflects a broader sentiment that leadership needs to be both capable of winning and governing effectively. “With the challenges facing our country in 2025 and beyond, it is essential that we have the strongest possible candidate leading the top of the ticket — not just to win, but to govern,” Scholten said in a statement Thursday.
Despite these challenges, Biden continues to command support in Michigan. Representatives Debbie Dingell, Haley Stevens, and Shri Thanedar, along with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, plan to attend the Detroit event. Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer was also present. Over a dozen Detroit-area state lawmakers have expressed unwavering support for Biden in a joint letter, emphasizing their commitment to mobilizing communities and advocating for policies that benefit Black Michiganders. “As the Detroit Caucus, we are committed to mobilizing our communities, raising awareness, and advocating for policies that benefit Black Michiganders,” the state lawmakers wrote in the letter. “We encourage all our members and allies to join us in supporting President Biden and Vice President Harris.”
Biden’s return to Michigan aimed to reignite the energy felt during his March 2020 appearance at Detroit’s Renaissance High School. At that time, Biden presented himself as a bridge to future leaders, locking hands with Kamala Harris, Gretchen Whitmer, and Cory Booker.
Targeting Trump, Biden labeled him an enemy to democracy and a friend to authoritarians, criticizing the conservative Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025.” This 900-plus-page framework proposes a conservative overhaul of the federal government, including upending the civil service system, giving presidents more power to appoint and fire workers, eliminating the Education Department, and limiting abortion pills. Biden argued that these changes could harm Black families in Detroit by reducing access to healthcare and government aid programs.
Detroit’s Black community remains a key part of Biden’s coalition, yet turnout in the February primary was notably low. Addressing the concerns of this community and galvanizing their support is essential for Biden’s campaign. Additionally, Biden faces challenges with key parts of his coalition in Michigan, particularly regarding his stance on Israel’s offensive following Hamas’ October attack. Michigan’s large Arab American population contributed to a significant number of “Uncommitted” votes in the Democratic primary, highlighting the nuanced dynamics at play.
Biden’s speech aimed to remind Democrats of the high stakes in the upcoming election and assert his position as the best candidate to defeat Trump, despite polls showing him trailing. Recent fears within the Democratic Party that Biden’s missteps, particularly during a late June debate where he seemed tired and struggled with coherent responses, could pave the way for a second Trump presidency, have fueled calls for him to be replaced as the top candidate.
Acknowledging his debate performance and occasional misspeaking, Biden noted that Trump does the same but often gets “a free pass.” Addressing concerns about his age, Biden, now 81, reassured the crowd that with age comes wisdom. “Hopefully, with age, comes a little wisdom. And here’s what I know. I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. I know how and I’ve demonstrated how to do this job. And I know Americans want a president, not a dictator,” he stated.
This marked Biden’s fourth campaign event in Michigan this year, but his first actual rally in the state since the 2020 election. His visit underscored the critical importance of Michigan in his re-election strategy and his determination to secure support from Detroit’s Black community. Biden’s campaign continues to emphasize his experience and commitment to protecting democratic values against the threats posed by Trump’s vision for America.
Biden’s visit to Detroit is a critical moment for his campaign. As he addresses supporters and seeks to reassure the electorate of his capability and commitment, the stakes could not be higher. The support of Detroit’s Black community and other key demographics in Michigan will be crucial for Biden’s path to victory. As the 2024 election approaches, Biden must navigate these complex dynamics and solidify his standing within the Democratic Party and among voters. The road ahead is challenging, but Biden’s resolve to finish the job he started remains unwavering.