Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa) opened the event held at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds. She introduced Rep. Mark Smith (D-Marshalltown), who endorses Biden for president.

Smith told everyone they should caucus on Feb. 3 for Biden, no matter how cold or icy the weather might be. Shortly afterward, Smith introduced Biden as the next President of the United States and the candidate walked in to applause and with Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher” song playing.

Biden thanked Marshalltown Chief of Police Mike Tupper for his service before telling the crowd why he would be the best choice as President.

Biden said eight years of President Donald Trump would change the face of the nation.

T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM State representative Mark Smith introduces Joe Biden to the crowd gathered at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds on Sunday.

“The character of America is on the ballot,” he said. “That’s not hyperbole. The character of the country is on the ballot. The character of the candidates is on the ballot. This election is more about the character and soul of America than any other election I have participated in on a national basis.”

Biden clarified when he spoke about the “character of the country,” he was talking about decency, honor, integrity and respect, about who the people of America are. He said no matter how the impeachment trial of Trump plays out, the immediate outcome will be a further divided country and it is important for whomever is elected to White House to not require on-the-job training.

Biden asked the crowd to consider him for the Feb. 3 caucus.

Before Biden spoke for the event, he granted an exclusive interview to the Times-Republican.

Biden was told Marshalltown had a large immigrant population and was asked what sort of attention should be given to companies and businesses that employ the immigrants. Biden responded companies that employ undocumented people need to play by the rules and undocumented workers should not be deported if they have not committed felony crimes.

“I’m going to send within the first month, a major immigration plan to the Senate and the House that we can get passed,” he said.

Biden was also asked what message he has for people with pre-existing conditions who are afraid of losing their coverage. With the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, being challenged in the Supreme Court, there is concern that people with pre-existing conditions will lose their health insurance. Biden said he guarantees they will not lose their coverage.

“The coverage of pre-existing conditions is absolutely vital,” he said. “And they’re trying to wipe it out in court now. I call for restoring all of the cuts that were made in Obamacare by executive order and add to it a public option that is a Medicare-like option so that if you can’t afford it, you are automatically enrolled.”

Biden also proposes to bring down the cost of prescription drugs by continuing coverage for people and through negotiating prices with drug companies.

“I’m against anybody who’s against Obamacare,” he said.

——

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com