Biden for President
March 10, 2020

ICYMI: St. Louis Post-Dispatch Endorses Joe Biden Ahead of the Missouri and Illinois Primaries

Last week, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch endorsed Joe Biden for President. In their endorsement of Vice President Biden, the Post-Dispatch cited his broad coalition of support, his ability to beat Donald Trump, and his foreign policy experience. Missourians head to the polls today and Illinois votes on March 17.   
 
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Editorial: We recommend Joe Biden in the Missouri Democratic presidential primary
 
“Biden’s persistent campaign emphasizing moderation and a return to bipartisan collaboration is exactly what this country needs to recover from the damage inflicted by President Donald Trump. There’s a new air of confidence and optimism because, finally, the squabbling is dying down, and Democrats are closer to offering a single viable candidate — someone with executive-branch experience who even centrist Republicans can support if that’s what it takes to restore dignity and presidential aplomb in the Oval Office.”
 
“When Missourians head to the polls Tuesday, this newspaper urges them to keep that spirit of optimism alive. Biden is our choice to send a strong message across the nation of the Midwest’s preference for unity and civility over divisive political extremism.”
 
“Biden favors a go-slow, pragmatic approach to these problems, fully aware from his lengthy Senate experience that there’s no such thing as radical, overnight reform.”
 
“Trump has made no secret of his preference to have Sanders as his opponent in the general election. He reiterated that on Wednesday while criticizing Sen. Elizabeth Warren for staying in the race and drawing support away from Sanders. Russia also has worked to promote the Sanders campaign. That’s because Russia wants four more years of Trump, and Trump’s chances of reelection are far higher if he faces Sanders, rather than Biden, on Nov. 3.
 
“The combination of support from Bloomberg, Buttigieg and Klobuchar sends a clear message to centrists on the Republican side that a vote for Biden would be the safe choice to restore stability in the White House. Sanders holds no appeal whatsoever to disaffected Republicans. Much as they might dislike the incumbent, almost none would be prepared to vote for Sanders in a contest against Trump.”
 
“So why Biden? His 36 years as a U.S. senator from Delaware spanned one of the most tumultuous eras in American history, including the Vietnam War and Watergate, the Cold War, nuclear proliferation, the end of apartheid in South Africa, the 9/11 attacks, the wars in Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the 2007-2008 economic crisis. After the death of his wife and daughter in a car accident, Biden had to commute between his home in Delaware and work in Washington while raising his two sons, Beau and Hunter, as a single father. Beau would later die of cancer. Biden has been tested under conditions that would crush a person of lesser character and drive.”
 
“He knows the world. As vice president from 2009 to 2017, he represented the Obama administration in official visits to 50 countries, logging more than 1.2 million miles of travel, according to this campaign.”
 
“Biden’s experience in office, record of bipartisanship, moderate stance on key issues, and ability to draw support from disaffected Republicans makes him the ideal Democrat to run against Trump and oust him from office.”

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March 7, 2020

More Missouri Leaders Endorse Joe Biden

Today, former Governor of Missouri Jay Nixon, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., former Kansas City Mayor Sly James, and over sixty additional Missouri leaders endorsed Joe Biden for President of the United States.

“Joe Biden is the experienced, empathetic leader America and the world needs now to end this untruthful, divisive and incredibly simplistic presidency in November. I believe he will, and look forward to working to make it happen,” said former Governor of Missouri Jay Nixon.

"We need a President now more than ever that understands our values, is passionate about supporting working families and has a proven track-record of getting things done.  Our nation needs someone like Joe Biden, an honest, hard-working and dedicated leader who has been a reliable champion for American families for more than 40 years.  It is time that we restore our country’s dignity and respect, at home and abroad and I have no doubt that Joe Biden is the man to lead the way.  Joe Biden will be a President that we can be proud of,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr.
 
The full list of Missouri leaders endorsing Joe Biden for President include:

  • Jay Nixon, Former Governor of Missouri
  • Frank White, Jr., Jackson County Executive
  • Sly James, Former Mayor, City of Kansas City
  • Debra Carnahan, Former Judge
  • Jamilah Nasheed, MO State Senator
  • Karla May, MO State Senator
  • Sarah Unsicker, State Representative
  • LaDonna Appelbaum, State Representative
  • Wiley Price, State Representative
  • Doug Beck, State Representative
  • Alan Gray, State Representative
  • Keri Ingle, State Representative
  • Joe Runions, State Representative
  • Trish Gunby, State Representative
  • Ashley Bland Manlove, State Representative
  • Robert Sauls, State Representative
  • Wes Rogers, State Representative
  • Alan Green, State Representative
  • Jerome Barnes, State Representative
  • Yolanda Young, State Representative
  • Rory Rowland, State Representative
  • Lewis Reed, President of the Board of Aldermen, St. Louis City
  • Francis Slay, Former Mayor, City of St. Louis
  • Manuel Abarca, Treasurer of the Kansas City Public School Board
  • Melissa Robinson, Kansas City Council Member
  • Andrea Bough, Kansas City Council Member
  • Kevin McManus, Kansas City Council Member
  • Teresa Loar, Kansas City Council Member
  • Katheryn Shields, Kansas City Council Member
  • Kevin O’ Neill, Kansas City Council Member
  • Darlene Green, Comptroller, City of St. Louis
  • Corey Then, Former Obama Administration Official
  • Jack Coatar, 7th Ward Alderman, City of St. Louis
  • Sarah Martin, 11th Ward Alderwoman, City of St. Louis
  • Tom Oldenburg, 16th Ward Alderman, City of St. Louis
  • Carol Howard, 14th Ward Alderwoman, City of St. Louis
  • Jeffrey Boyd, 22nd Ward Alderman, City of St. Louis
  • Joe Roddy, 17th Ward Alderman, City of St. Louis
  • Lisa Middlebrook, 2nd Ward Alderwoman, City of St. Louis
  • Beth Murphy, 13th Ward Alderwoman, City of St. Louis
  • John Collins-Muhhammad, 21st Ward Alderman, City of St. Louis
  • Joe Vaccaro, 23rd Ward Alderman, City of St. Louis
  • Pam Boyd, 27th Ward Alderwoman, City of St. Louis
  • Marlene Davis, 19th Ward Alderwoman, City of St. Louis
  • Shameem Clark Hubbard, 26th Ward Alderwoman, City of St. Louis
  • Bill Skaggs, Former State Representative and Kansas City Council Member and Chair of the Clay County Democratic Committee
  • John Bowman, Committeeman for Normandy Township; former Alderman and State Representative
  • John Mayfield, Former State Representative
  • Ted Farnen, Former State Representative
  • Trent Skaggs, Former State Representative
  • Scott Taylor, Former Kansas City Council Member
  • Ed Ford, Former Kansas City Council Member
  • Cindy Circo, Former Kansas City Council Member
  • Allan Gray, Former Lee’s Summit City Council Member
  • Samuel L. Moore, Former 4th Ward Alderman, City of St. Louis
  • Ella Skaggs, President of the Young Democrats of North Kansas City High School
  • Cathy Jolly, Former State Rep and KC City Councilwoman
  • Melba Curls, Former State Rep and KC City Councilwoman
  • Theresa Garza, Former Jackson County Legislator
  • Mike Kelley, Former Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director
  • Patrick Lynn, Political Consultant and Former Senior Advisor to Gov. Bob Holden
  • Adam Sachs, Former Counsel, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn
  • Charlie Dooley, Former St. Louis County Executive
  • Karen Pierre, Normandy Committeewoman
  • Ingrid Burnett, State Representative
  • John Burnett, Former State Senator
  • Ronald Finley, Jackson County Legislator
These endorsements follow former Senator Jean Carnahan, former Governor Bob Holden, Kansas City Community Leader Gwendolyn Grant, and other Missouri leaders who endorsed Joe Biden earlier this week. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, has also endorsed Joe Biden. Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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March 6, 2020

Missouri UFCW Locals 655, 88, and 2 Endorse Joe Biden for President 

Today, Missouri UFCW Locals 655, 88, and 2 released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:
 
“Joe Biden has been standing shoulder to shoulder with working people throughout his entire career. From his time in the Senate to his time in the White House, Joe was always there. He puts unions first, fights for our well being, and protects our rights to organize. That is why are proud to endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States. We need a leader who will keep putting workers first and stop Donald Trump’s attacks on organizing efforts, collective bargaining rights, and health care. We know that Joe is the leader who can take on Donald Trump and win, and will always have our backs as President.”
 
National unions have also endorsed Biden, including the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA). The American Federation of Federation of Teachers (AFT) also encouraged members to support Biden among two other candidates.
 
Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,600 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.
March 4, 2020

Former Senator Jean Carnahan, Former Governor Bob Holden, and Leaders Across Missouri Endorse Joe Biden

Today, former Senator Jean Carnahan, former Governor Bob Holden, Kansas City Community Leader Gwendolyn Grant, and other leaders across Missouri endorsed Joe Biden for President of the United States.
 
“Here in Missouri we look to Harry Truman — a man of the people — as a model for public servants. He was always underestimated by the political pundits, but when our nation was in need of strong leadership, he acted wisely and decisively. Fortunately, we have been given another such leader in Joe Biden---a man honed and proven by his years as a public servant; humbled by tragedy; and guided by a lifelong and unshakeable faith. Joe is ready from day one to take on the hard work of restoring confidence in our democracy. His calm and measured approach to problems makes him best able to heal the nation’s wounds and restore America’s leadership role in the world. For these many reasons, I wholeheartedly announce my support of Joe Biden for President of the United States,” said former Senator Jean Carnahan.
 
“Each new day, I ask myself do we still have a democracy; are we still respected around the world; do we have leaders working on our behalf; are we passing on to our children a better country and world than we inherited?  In the eyes of our youth, our elderly, our working families, and our fellow Americans, the answer is no.  Joe Biden believes that every citizen should be treated with dignity and respect.  Joe Biden is prepared to lead our country on day one.  Lori and I wholeheartedly support Joe Biden for President,” said former Governor Bob Holden.
 
“Vice President Joe Biden is the tested leader we need to bring decency back to the White House. Joe knows it’s time for equal opportunity, equal rights, and equal justice. From writing the Violence Against Women Act to passing the Affordable Care Act, Joe has always put what’s right first, even if it’s hard. As president, I know he will continue to fight for Missourians,” said Kansas City Community Leader Gwendolyn Grant.
 
The full list of Missouri leaders endorsing Joe Biden for President today include:

  • Former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan
  • Former Congressman Russ Carnahan
  • Former Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan
  • St. Louis Community Leader Tom Carnahan
  • Former Governor Bob Holden
  • Former Missouri First Lady Lori Holden
  • Kansas City Community Leader Gwendolyn Grant 
These leaders add to the growing momentum Joe Biden has established in Missouri, which votes on March 10. They join Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and former Ambassador Kevin O’Malley in supporting Joe Biden.

Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

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September 19, 2019

U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, G.K. Butterfield, and Charlie Crist join Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in Endorsing Joe Biden

Today, Biden for President is announcing new endorsements from U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, and Charlie Crist of Florida, adding two Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members and a former governor to the growing list of prominent and influential elected leaders supporting Joe Biden. Rep. Cleaver chaired the CBC from 2011-2013, Rep. Butterfield chaired the CBC from 2015-2017, and Rep. Crist served as the governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011.

Vice President Biden has earned four total congressional endorsements this week, including Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, a Congressional Hispanic Caucus member who recently switched his endorsement to Vice President Biden after the third Democratic presidential debate.

These Congressional endorsements represent the broad and diverse coalition Vice President Biden is building in states across the country. The representatives outline below why Joe Biden represents a sea of change from the current president and will fight to restore and strengthen our democracy. 

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri:
“As a pastor, my values, morals, and faith have been a guiding light throughout my life and time in public service. From becoming the first African-American Mayor of Kansas City to becoming a member of Congress, my strong convictions have given me the foundation necessary to fight for jobs, economic development, and housing reform for the people of Missouri. In the same manner, Joe Biden’s convictions have led him to fight for what he believes in and to serve not only the people of Delaware but the nation.
 
“Democracy is delicate and susceptible to perversion by the powerful. Over the past three years, we—and the entire world—have witnessed an undisguised assault on our democratic institutions. The man entrusted to faithfully execute the laws of our nation has distorted them to protect his own interests at the expense of the American people. The current administration has led our country into a moral darkness and away from the core values that once made America a respected and dignified leader on the world stage.

“The next election is, in many ways, about whether our leader can restore the soul of our nation and re-establish the long held notion that the United States of America is moving welcomingly and indelibly toward a unified nation.  Our nation is in dire need of someone like Joe Biden, a leader who has never been afraid to speak out for what he believes is right. Joe Biden has been a champion in fighting for American families for over forty years. And right now, he’s speaking out against the divisive rhetoric and abhorrent behavior we continue to see under this president. We need integrity to be restored in the highest office.  That’s why I proudly endorse Joe Biden for President.”

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina:
“My parents taught me that regardless of one’s station in life they were entitled to quality health care, a good education, and the tools to succeed. My father and mother not only instilled those same values in me, but they were living examples of great humanitarians. 

“As a dentist, my father never denied anyone care if they could not afford it. My mother was a teacher who taught elementary school for 48 years in some of the poorest communities in North Carolina. They both served as an inspiration for my life in public service, where I have been a tireless advocate and champion for my constituents. 

“We need a tireless advocate and champion for this nation in the White House, and that person is Joe Biden. He is immensely prepared to lead our great country. As former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I have watched Republicans advance legislation that intentionally leaves some communities behind and they deserve better. Civil rights brought Joe Biden into the fight, and I know he’ll continue that fight – the fight for equality and the opportunity for economic success. That’s why I proudly endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States.”

U.S. Rep. and former Governor of Florida Charlie Crist:
“I have had the honor of serving Florida as Attorney General, Governor, and now as a Congressman representing the most beautiful congressional district in the country. Through my time in public service, I have learned that being the voice of the people means rising above partisan white noise to do whatever it takes to get things done. Especially when it means protecting Florida’s beautiful coasts, restoring voting rights of non-violent ex-felons, and continuing to lead efforts to protect civil rights.

“Joe Biden’s record of getting things done speaks for itself. He has always put the American people above party lines and will continue to as President. We currently have a president that has sacrificed the economic livelihood of Americans through government shutdowns, tariffs, and attempts to repeal health care in order to score political points. We need a president whose objective at the end of the day is to move the country forward for everyone through action, not empty promises. 

“Furthermore, he’s the best candidate we can nominate to take on President Trump, growing our big tent party, earning the support of independents and disaffected Republicans — all key to winning Florida and thus closing off Trump’s path to re-election.

“For these reasons and more, I proudly endorse Joe Biden for President.”

Last week, the campaign announced endorsements from 59 African American state legislators, as well as new endorsements from Former U.S. Secretary Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and elected officials and community leaders from South Carolina and New Hampshire and from the Super Tuesday states Texas and Tennessee.

Biden for President has previously announced more than 410 endorsements from national, state and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, and community leaders, including six endorsements from Congressional Black Caucus members.

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