First Lady Jill Biden’s LA visit urges more Democrats in Congress amid economic headwinds – Daily News

LOS ANGELES — First Lady Jill Biden continues her two-day visit to Los Angeles on Friday, Sept. 16 to elect more supporters to Congress during a closed-door fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee. encouraged Democrats to “work harder” to

With the midterm elections less than two months away, Biden urged attendees to imagine how much more of President Joe Biden’s agenda could be accomplished with more “partners” in office. rice field.

“Imagine what he could do with a few more partners in the House and Senate,” the first lady said of the president. …we can protect Social Security and Medicare …we can ban assault weapons.” She later spoke about maintaining marriage equality.

But that potential future faces headwinds. President Biden faces nationwide concerns over his handling of the economy, but his popularity improved from its lowest drop over the summer, according to an Associated Press-NORC Public Affairs Center poll.

Joe Biden’s fortunes have been on the rise lately, but winning a Democratic position in the House or Senate won’t be easy in a year when conventional wisdom says Republicans are likely to win a majority in the House in the midterms. do not have.

Jill Biden’s remarks are expected to be a tough race for North LA County voters to represent the 27th congressional district, either incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Garcia or his challenger, Democrat Christie Christie. The time comes when you have to decide whether or not to vote for Smith. This is the race that many see as the epitome of how the purple swing district goes. Either way, a victory would be huge in gaining or maintaining a majority in Congress.

In his speech, Mr. Biden tried to make the Democratic Party the party representing American values ​​and to appeal to women voters. About 18 guests, the majority of whom were women, gathered for a luncheon at the home of writer-producer and Friends co-creator Marta Kaufmann.

“Don’t just get angry. We have to get out and do our jobs…especially in these elections,” the first lady said. “This is possible, especially if women can see what rights they are deprived of.”

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark federal case that has upheld abortion rights for nearly 50 years. And this week, Republican Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina introduced a bill banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Biden also said in a speech lasting about 10 minutes that the majority of Americans want affordable prescription drugs, but “only the Democrats are fighting for it,” saying Americans He said he wanted big companies to do their fair share of taxes and clean investments. Energy, “But not a single Republican voted for any of them.”

“They are letting down all Americans, including millions of Republicans,” she said of the Republican Party.

Ahead of Friday’s luncheon, Harry Balch, director of public affairs for California and Nevada for the Republican National Committee, criticized the event.

“At a time when people in California are struggling with historic inflation and 13 consecutive days of rising gas prices, First Lady Jill Biden’s trip to Los Angeles to attend a lavish fundraiser is an understatement. I’m deaf when I say it,” Balch told the City News Service on Thursday.

Deadline reports that the lunch event at Hancock Park was for the Democratic Grassroots Victory Fund, which raises money for the Democratic National Committee and state parties. Tickets reportedly started at $5,000 per person, and those who wrote or collected checks for $25,000 were also designated as hosts.

following Friday’s luncheon, Biden visited the Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Cafe in Chinatown. These facilities are part of Homeboy Her Industries, a gang rehabilitation and re-entry program that trains and assists former gang members and previously incarcerated people.

During the fundraiser, host Kaufman introduced Biden. Biden holds a PhD in Education.

“Our education system is sick. It has sickness,” Kaufman said. “So who do you call when you get sick? A doctor. Ladies and gentlemen, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.”