"Motown is Joetown"

The race to the White House is in full effect. Every voice, every supporter and every vote counts. That is exactly what last week's rally was about. President Joe Biden, who is both candidate and Commander-in-Chief, spoke to supporters in Detroit. Having had more than 2,000 people in attendance, Detroit's Renaissance High School, located at 6565 W. Outer Drive, was packed to capacity. Fire marshals, EMT's, Detroit Police, and the Secret Service were all actively working to ensure the safety of all who were in and around the building.

During the rally, from start to finish, the crowd was heard chanting, "Four more years" and "Vote for Democracy" as Michigan's Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, and Actress, Octavia Spencer graced the staged with poise and enthusiasm. Once President Biden took to the stage and began speaking to the crowd, "Don't You Quit", echoed across the gymnasium. Biden did address the fact that some Democratic allies are asking him to step aside as a candidate. His response was, "I am running, and we're going to win". "I'm the nominee of this party because of you, the voters. No one else, and I'm not going anywhere. I learned a long time ago, when you get knocked down, you get back up.", said President Biden.

Lately, President Biden has been under intense scrutiny as members of both the Democratic and Republican party have had doubts about his leadership. Recently, there have been concerns specifically about his age, health and the ability to serve this country by the American people. Despite those concerns, supporters had a different opinion. They are very confident that Joe Bidden, is capable and should be re-elected. 71-year-old, Dearborn Heights resident and Inkster native, Lillian Herzberg, told the Telegram News, "The President has to be the President. I think he's done a good job. I need to know that we aren't living in a fascist society. Being black is hard for us, as it is."

Biden, came to Detroit to solidify his current supporters and to help to ease the mind of others, who may have been on the fence about re-electing him, as president. His remarks touched on strengthening civil rights, abortion rights, a ban on assault rifles that continue to kill innocent children, women and men. He also spoke about Donald Trump, who he is and what he plans to do with Project 2025. In case you are unfamiliar, that is a document with close to 1,000 pages and it features a 180-day playbook. According to http://www.project2025.org, it states, "The project is the effort of a broad coalition of conservative organizations that have come together to ensure a successful administration begins in January 2025." The 2025 Presidential Transition Project is being organized by The Heritage Foundation and it builds off Heritage's longstanding "Mandate for Leadership", the website states. However, Democrats are concerned over the fact that this document is radical and it will shape civic infrastructure in part by cutting thousands of federal jobs.

By the time, the 35-minute speech was over, attendees knew how Biden felt about Donald Trump. "Trump is unhinged. If he loses there will be a bloodbath. Trump says that if he wins, he'll be a dictator on day one. We're not going to let that happen. Over my dead body." said, President Biden. "Lock Him Up" was yelled with power and conviction by Biden supporters, after mentioning Trump's name. The rally was going smooth until one woman's voice pierced through the entire crowd as Biden spoke. "Free Palestine", she repeatedly said, as she was escorted out of the building. The volume level of the crowd, went down to a whisper. Everyone in the rally was caught off-guard and for some, it was hard to understand what the young woman was yelling at first. President Biden, never detoured from his speech to address the situation, in fact, he remained focused and continue where he left off.

This election season, has been challenging and has caused a great level of concern and worry. Noticeably, from across the room, millennials were in full force and they wanted their presence and support to be taken seriously. Ben Montgomery, Detroit resident, Millennial and Housing Specialist, said that, he is looking for Joe Biden to codify, Roe v. Wade. Ben continued by saying, "I believe women should definitely have a choice with their bodies, I am looking for more student debt relief, and I'm looking for him to, be able to help millions of Americans, especially the black community like they said earlier, with getting generational wealth and having more opportunities that might be taken away from us." When asked by the Telegram News, "What brought you out today, why was this so important?". He responded and said, that he wanted to show his support and to show that millennials are active.

People often forget that Millennials aren't the young kids anymore but they are now well into their late to mid 20's and are as old as early 40s. They are qualified and are holding positions in array of fields, even working in the political arena. In addition, they are working and delivering in the capacity of grassroot efforts and they are involved in our nation's democracy.

President Joe Biden has a lot ahead of him to continue to prove himself to the American people. Detroit is one of the nation largest cities and Michigan is still considered a battleground state. Back in 2020, results showed that 94 percent of Detroit voters, voted for Biden. Is it safe to say that Detroit likes Biden? At the end of the day, the 81-year-old, President Joe Biden delivered a strong speech to Metro Detroit and his supporters.