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VP Biden Swings Through Athens During SE Ohio Tour
By: Sandhya Kambhampati
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It was a rainy welcome in Athens for Vice President Joe Biden, who spoke to 675 spectators about moving the economy forward on Saturday.
Biden opened his speech focusing on Ohio University, welcoming the Bobcats, remembering the last time he was in Athens.
Biden's speech focused on education, veterans and the economy.
Robin Bozian, a resident of Athens County for 30 years, said the biggest point that resonated with her was the continuation of support for students and higher education.
"Education is a way forward," Bozian said. "The student loans today affected me greatly."
Biden urged the crowd to think about their values and what really mattered most to them.
"Don't tell me what you value,” Biden said, quoting his father. “Show me your budget and I'll tell you what you value."
Katie McGlynn, a Marietta resident, said the value that Biden puts on veterans is what matters the most to her.
“My son is a Navy veteran,” McGee said. “I know what it’s like to be a parent of someone who’s away, serving in our military. I appreciate what the current president and vice president are doing for veterans and their families.”
Biden also touched on the debt and what this election could mean for moving the economy forward.
“Promote the public sector, not the privileged sector,” Biden said. “Build the economy from the middle out, not the top down.”
Robert Whealey, 82, is a former Ohio University professor. He says he voted for the first time for John F. Kennedy and is excited for this election.
“President politics will become history and history is past politics,” said Whealey. “So, when people ask where did that debt come from? Well, it came from the excessive stupid war of George W. Bush, who is the worst president in the history of the United States. It’s going to take us years to recover from that, so I’m with Biden 100 percent.”
Athens was the second stop of Biden’s tour in southeast Ohio. He previously spoke in Zanesville, then travelled down to Athens, stopping at the Nelsonville Dairy Queen on the way.
Biden is schedule to travel next to Portsmouth for an event at Portsmouth High School Sunday morning.
Robert Whealey and Robin Bozian are featured in the audio files in this story.