President Joe Biden made a major economic address at a downtown Chicago event Wednesday, accompanied by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Air Force One touched down at O‘Hare International Airport under hazy, smoky skies to a welcome by a chorus of cheering supporters. In his speech, Biden addressed what is being referred to as “Bidenomics,” his vision for economic growth from the middle out and the bottom up, instead of the top down.
In his address, Biden praised the economic resilience of America during a challenging year of the pandemic.
“Even through difficult times, the American people continue to have courage and grit,” said the President. “They persevere and they don’t give up. We must honor that spirit and show that we can continue to build and improve our economy.”
After his speech, the president participated in a fundraising reception hosted by Gov. Pritzker, drawing out some of Chicago’s most influential Democratic donors. The reception, which benefits Biden’s re–election campaign, comes ahead of a federal fundraising reporting deadline.
Unfortunately, Biden’s visit to Chicago was plagued by poor air quality. The smog conditions resulting from nearby wildfires were described as “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” and officials have recommended that those most vulnerable, such as the elderly, children, and those with heart and lung conditions, limit time spent outdoors.
Nevertheless, Biden’s message of optimism for the country’s economic future could be heard clearly even through the haze.
“We’re rebuilding the economy — in fact, we are creating a new one that grows from the middle class and the bottom up, one that puts working people first,” the President said.
The Biden administration continues to carry out innovative initiatives designed to boost long–term economic growth and invest in middle–class families, such as raising the minimum wage, increasing infrastructure investment, addressing the tax burden, and expanding job opportunities through energy investments.
Lending further credence to his dedication to revitalizing the economy, Biden then hopped a plane to the Bay Area where he ended his day with more meetings with supporters and a fundraiser in the evening.
Biden: “It was inappropriate for Barack to spend a time with [Pres. Xi], but I — I spent a lot of time with him. I met alone with him, just he and I, and a simultaneous interpreter 68 times, 68 hours, 68 time — more than 68 hours. By the way, I turned in all my notes.” pic.twitter.com/ygQKuuBjxF
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) June 28, 2023