First lady Jill Biden says president is ‘all in’ at campaign stop in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. — At a campaign stop Monday afternoon in Tampa, first lady Dr. Jill Biden made it clear: The president is all in.

“Despite all the debate about this race, Joe has made it clear that he is in it,” Jill Biden said. “That’s the decision he made.”

That echoes the president’s own words in a letter to Democrats on Capitol Hill, where Biden said he was firmly committed to staying in the race.

This comes after criticism of the president’s performance in the debate and calls from some for him to step down.

Dr. Jill Biden delivered her message to a large crowd at American Legion Seminole Post 111 in Tampa.

“As always, he has supported my career and I stand with him all the way, and I know you stand with him all the way, or you wouldn’t be here today. You stand with him all the way, thank you,” the First Lady said. “And for four more years, Joe will continue to fight for you, the military community that he, that we are honored and proud to call ours.”

The First Lady reflected on the 2016 election and said people cannot take anything for granted and must face this moment as if freedoms are at risk.

“You remember that feeling when you woke up and thought, ‘Oh my God, what just happened?’” Biden said. “We can’t let that happen again.”

Several times, people in the crowd began shouting, “Four more years.”

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also joined the First Lady on stage Monday afternoon.

“When we all go to the polls in November, our choice will not only impact the lives of our veterans. It will impact the lives of all Americans, and I cannot stress this enough: it is imperative to our country’s democracy that we re-elect President Joe Biden,” said Mayor Castor.

The move was also meant to highlight the president’s dedication to military members and their families. The campaign is launching “Veterans and Military Families for Biden-Harris,” a national organizing program led by the first lady that aims to mobilize these communities across the country through events such as key swing states.

Monday’s campaign event was part of a three-state, daylong tour, with stops in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida.