President Biden shared a humorous anecdote about his great-grandfather, Edward Francis Blewitt, during a rally in support of Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh. Biden recounted how his great-grandfather was accused of being a member of the Molly Maguires, a group that stood up against the mistreatment of Catholic miners by English mine owners. Despite the accusations, Blewitt was actually the second Catholic person elected to the state assembly in Pennsylvania in 1907. The president light-heartedly joked about his disappointment that his ancestor was not actually a part of the violent group that sought justice for the miners.
Following a vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and a trip to Democratic Party donor Joe Kiani’s California ranch estate, President Biden returned to the campaign trail in support of Vice President Harris. The president, who faced criticism for his performance against former President Trump in a late June debate, took a break ahead of the final weeks leading up to the election. Despite concerns about his physical and mental stamina, Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race on July 21, endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee for president.
Recent national surveys show Harris with a slight single-digit lead over Trump, but the presidential election is ultimately decided at the state level with electoral votes. The campaign has entered its final stretch as candidates continue to rally support ahead of the election. During his appearance in Pittsburgh, Biden shared an amusing family story that shed light on his ancestry and heritage. The president’s light-hearted approach to the serious topic of his ancestor’s alleged ties to a violent group highlighted his ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and humor.
The Library of the Pennsylvania Senate confirmed Blewitt’s historical significance as the second Catholic person elected to the state assembly, following William McSherry. Biden’s family history and political legacy in Pennsylvania have played a role in shaping his identity as a candidate for president. His ability to acknowledge the darker chapters of his family’s past while injecting humor into the narrative demonstrated his skill as a storyteller and communicator. As the campaign intensifies in the final weeks leading up to the election, Biden’s personal anecdotes and connections to Pennsylvania voters could play a crucial role in securing support for the Democratic ticket.
President Biden’s decision to drop out of the race in favor of Vice President Harris marked a turning point in the campaign, shifting the focus to the Democratic nominee’s bid for the presidency. Biden’s endorsement of Harris was seen as a strategic move to unite the party behind a single candidate. As the election enters its final stage, both candidates are ramping up their efforts to win over voters and secure crucial electoral votes. The president’s return to the campaign trail in Pittsburgh signaled a renewed commitment to supporting Harris and rallying Democratic voters in key battleground states. With the election fast approaching, the stakes are high for both candidates as they make their final push for the White House.
