Jill Biden stood by her husband’s side on Saturday as they stepped off Air Force One to attend a pair of campaign stops at luxurious vacation homes on Long Island. She wasted no time in making her point when she introduced the president at an exclusive fundraiser.
“Joe isn’t just the right person for the job. He’s the only person for the job,” she declared.
The first lady emphasized to donors, “Anyone can tell you what they want to do, but Joe Biden can tell you what he’s done with his judgment, his experience, and his relationships with leaders across the globe.”
Jill Biden is rallying support for her husband after his lackluster performance in Thursday’s presidential debate sparked new concerns about his age and his ability to compete in November’s election and serve another four years.
As a community college professor, she has been a steadfast supporter of her husband, standing by him since he left the debate stage. President Biden faces a defining challenge to his presidency, arguing that democracy itself is at stake in his race against former President Donald Trump.
Her involvement highlights her influence, her devotion to her husband, and the pressure facing an 81-year-old candidate whom many voters worry is too old to serve another term. Unlike Trump’s wife, who has been notably absent from the campaign trail, Jill Biden has taken a leading role, even wearing a dress decorated with the word “Vote.”
Less than 24 hours after her husband’s debate debacle, she addressed a crowd in Greenwich Village, speaking warmly about him without acknowledging the controversy over his capability for another term.
“Joe will never stop fighting for this country and for communities like this one,” she said at an event at the Stonewall National Monument, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. “That’s who Joe is. He wakes up every morning thinking about how he can make the lives of Americans better.”
Later in the day, at an LGBTQ fundraiser in the city, she candidly addressed her husband’s debate performance. “I know it’s on your minds,” she said. “As Joe said earlier today, he’s not a young man. And you know, after last night’s debate, he said, ‘You know, Jill, I don’t know what happened. I didn’t feel that great.’ And I said, ‘Look, Joe, we are not going to let 90 minutes define the four years that you’ve been president.’”
She passionately defended the president’s capabilities, emphasizing their commitment to moving forward with his campaign. “What my husband does know how to do is tell the truth,” she said. “When Joe gets knocked down, Joe gets back up, and that’s what we’re doing today.”
Jill Biden, 73, has long been her husband’s chief confidant and public defender. Her role is even more significant this year, drawing increased scrutiny from Trump supporters, some of whom question if she is steering the ship.
When she held the president’s hand as they left the debate stage on Thursday night, after his halting performance, Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas reposted the video on X with the question, “Who is the Commander in Chief?”
Initially reluctant to embrace the role of political spouse, Jill Biden is now fully committed. Earlier this year, when there was speculation that Biden might not seek another term, she decisively put those doubts to rest.
“How many times does he have to say it for you to believe it?” she told The Associated Press in a February interview during a trip to Africa. She added, “He says he’s not done. He’s not finished what he’s started. And that’s what’s important.”
As a native of the Philadelphia area, her tone has become increasingly assertive, telling supporters that Trump has gotten “my Philly up.” With the race against the former Republican tight, she told the fundraising gathering on Friday, “We have to work harder than we’ve ever worked before.”
Jill Biden doesn’t just highlight her husband’s strengths; she often shares stories of their courtship and life together with supporters. During Friday’s events, she told LGBTQ+ audiences that Trump is a “threat” to their rights and that “we can’t let him win,” indicating her willingness to engage in the gritty aspects of politics.
Last month, she delivered a commencement address to community college students in Arizona, urging them to ignore doubters and pursue their goals.
“The next time someone tells you that you ‘can’t,’ you’re going to say, ‘Oh yeah? Watch me,’” she said.
Her words echoed her husband’s frequent response to questions about his ability to serve another term: “Watch me.”