Jill Biden makes case to local Italian American community on husband's behalf
Local Democrats received a message Wednesday from the wife of Joe Biden asking they embrace her husband’s candidacy and her Italian roots as the presidential race heads into the stretch drive with less than two weeks to go before Election Day.
Jill Biden, in an online address to supporters as part of the Pennsylvania Italian Americans event, touted her heritage and a plea to help voters get out to the polls. Biden talked about her great grandparents came to the United States, how her grandfather worked as a furniture deliveryman in New Jersey and her memories of her Italian upbringing that she said inspired her family values.
“Like so many immigrants, Italian Americans have contributed so much to this nation. Our culture, our values and our lives have made this nation richer and stronger and a more beautiful country,” she said. “So, Italian Americans know how to use our voice, sometimes maybe a little too loud. But, we can’t be too loud right now because too much is at stake in this election. This is it, there are no do-overs. We can’t sit back and watch what happens. We have to decide what happens.
“This election is too important to not do everything we can.”
The Biden campaign has put a focus on Pennsylvania, which is considered a swing state for the election. The former vice president and his wife made a series of campaign stops last month in Westmoreland County and on Wednesday continued the push for support.
“One state, this state, could decide our future for generations to come,” Biden said.
County Commissioner Gina Cerilli served as moderator for the event, as she did in September when Jill Biden visited Crabtree to speak with local small business owners during a stop on her husband’s whistle-stop train tour.
“As a first generation Italian American, I am so proud we can play such an important role in securing our democracy this election,” said Greg Cerilli, the commissioner’s father.
Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. He can be reached at rcholodofsky@triblive.com.
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