Many of New York state’s top Democrats held a virtual pre-debate watch party last week in the hour leading up to the debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Speakers included U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Attorney General Letitia James, who voiced their support for Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris.
Gillibrand delivered an impassioned speech focusing on nationwide reconciliation.
“Joe Biden is a man of extraordinary kindness and compassion,” Gillibrand said. “He is the best person to heal the nation, bring us together again and fix the economy.”
Support was also offered to Biden’s running mate Sen. Kamala Harris. Gillibrand called back to their long working relationship and spoke to her hard work as well as their friendship saying, “She and Joe are ready to fight for the American people.”
Gillibrand also focused on what supporters can do to help Democratic candidates leading up to the election, asking them to get involved through phone calls, social media and volunteering.
“They need us to fight with them and beside them,” Gillibrand said.
Attorney General James followed up with a similar message, discussing how a Biden presidency will bring a return to normalcy.
“This is the first of many moments of taking back the White House, Senate, and I will dare say, the soul of our country.” James said “Let us restore democracy and stand for the rule of law.”
James also requested that voters help get involved through phone banks as well as sharing the campaign’s message in their local communities.
A presentation was also given by Rob Diamond, head of the New York state division of the Biden/Harris campaign. Diamond discussed the many ways citizens can get involved directly with the campaign. The focus was mostly on joining phone banks for swing states as well as personal engagement with close contacts. He also introduced the VoteJoe app, a program that lets you reach out to personal contacts to help campaign for Biden/Harris.
The program wrapped up with a short video that touched on the themes of humanity and compassion that had been prevalent in the evening speeches, as well as one more call for voters to both vote for Biden and contribute to the campaign effort.
