All elections are important. But we know in our bones this one is more
consequential. America is at an inflection point. A time of real peril, but of
extraordinary possibilities. We can choose the path of becoming angrier, less hopeful,
and more divided. A path of shadow and suspicion. Or we can choose a different path,
and together, take this chance to heal, to be reborn, to unite. A path of hope and light.
This is a life-changing election that will determine America’s future for a very long
time. Character is on the ballot. Compassion is on the ballot. Decency, science,
democracy. They are all on the ballot. Who we are as a nation. What we stand for.
And, most importantly, who we want to be. That’s all on the ballot. And the choice
could not be clearer.
No rhetoric is needed. Just judge this president on the facts. 5 million Americans
infected with COVID-19. More than 170,000 Americans have died.
By far the worst performance of any nation on Earth. More than 50 million people
have filed for unemployment this year. More than 10 million people are going to lose
their health insurance this year. Nearly one in 6 small businesses have closed this year.
If this president is re-elected we know what will happen.
Cases and deaths will remain far too high.
More mom and pop businesses will close their doors for good.
Working families will struggle to get by, and yet, the wealthiest one percent will get
tens of billions of dollars in new tax breaks. And the assault on the Affordable Care
Act will continue until its destroyed, taking insurance away from more than 20 million
people – including more than 15 million people on Medicaid – and getting rid of the
protections that President Obama and I passed for people who suffer from a preexisting
condition.
And speaking of President Obama, a man I was honoured to serve alongside for 8
years as Vice President. Let me take this moment to say something we don’t say
nearly enough. Thank you, Mr. President. You were a great president. A president our
children could – and did – look up to. No one will say that about the current occupant
of the office.
What we know about this president is if he’s given four more years he will be what
he’s been the last four years. A president who takes no responsibility, refuses to lead,
blames others, cosies up to dictators, and fans the flames of hate and division. He will
wake up every day believing the job is all about him. Never about you.
Is that the America you want for you, your family, your children?
I see a different America.
One that is generous and strong.
Selfless and humble.
It’s an America we can rebuild together.
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