Biden Speaks at Prince William Campus

By Mason Votes Content Editor Christian Yingling

Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden (D.-Del.) spoke Thursday, Sept. 4 at the George Mason University Prince William Campus Verizon Auditorium. Biden spoke that morning in Virginia Beach about national security but chose to discuss the economy at Mason, bringing up issues such as crime, taxes, education and the price of gas and healthcare.

When introducing Biden, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine— whose name had been on the short list for the Democratic vice presidential nomination—acknowledged Mason President Alan Merten. Kaine recognized Mason’s status as the number one up-and-coming university and underscored Biden’s experience and his own support for the vice presidential nominee.

Biden discussed his experience as an average American from a small state. “[This is the] single most important election for anyone in this room,” said Biden. “We are either going to get this country back on its feet…or our children and our grandchildren are going to be in a real tough situation.”

By intertwining stories into his speech from conversations he has had while campaigning, Biden painted a grim picture of a problematic economy that is strangling citizens through the high costs of healthcare premiums, taxes and gas.

“I don’t expect the government to solve my problems, I expect them to understand my problems,” said Biden, quoting his father.

Biden also responded to attacks made last night by Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin in her acceptance speech. He extolled the virtues of universal healthcare and Barack Obama’s tax plan, in addition to questioning the need to provide incentives to oil companies for drilling.

“We’re not saying let’s take care of all these [people’s] problems, we’re saying let’s give these people a fighting chance,” said Biden. “Folks, the middle class has built this country… As the middle class begins to shrink we’ll find ourselves in the circumstance where this country is fundamentally different.”

Biden asked five Virginians to tell their stories of economic despair and then asked the audience for questions and comments.

“I’m really tired of the Republican pandering the woman voters,” said a female audience member.

Other questions were raised about illegal immigration, the price of education and the national debt.

“A country that out-teaches us, will out-compete us,” said Biden in response to a Mason faculty member’s comment about her inability to send her children to Mason, due to her low salary. “We’re going to have to pay teachers more.”

The auditorium, which seats 300 people, was almost completely full with supporters who interrupted Biden multiple times with applause, laughter and shouted comments.

The vice presidential candidate is a six term senator from the state of Delaware. Senator Biden is a recognized expert in the field of foriegn policy.