Biden is ‘all in’ on run for president, first lady says in Tampa

First lady Jill Biden on Monday assured voters that President Joe Biden is “all in” on another four years as commander-in-chief.

“President Biden wakes up every morning ready to work for you,” she said at an event in Tampa.

The first lady was in Tampa to promote a campaign program for veterans and military families in battleground states. In addition to the Seminole Heights event, she also stopped in Georgia and North Carolina.

The events came as Biden works to convince voters that he can beat former president Donald Trump in November. Biden has faced a barrage of criticism after a fumbling debate performance in June. Some Democratic leaders and donors have called for the 81-year-old to drop out of the race.

In Tampa, the first lady focused on Biden’s record — not his health.

In a 10-minute speech, she touted her husband’s support of veteran mental health programs and family planning programs for military members. She said the new campaign program would mobilize veteran and military voters.

Biden also spoke of her late son, Beau Biden, who served in Iraq.

“This is personal to us,” she said.

Of the recent calls for Biden to drop out, the first lady said only, “Joe has made it clear that he’s all in.” Before she could finish her sentence, the crowd of dozens of Tampa veterans and military families erupted into cheers.

Jill Biden has remained supportive of her husband’s decision to stay in the race. “That’s the decision that he’s made,” she said. “And just as he has always supported my career, I’m all in too.”

Michael Ledbetter, a former Pasco county commissioner and local Democratic leader, said he’s glad Biden is still in the race. Ledbetter and his wife, Beverly, took a day off from a beach vacation in Anna Maria to attend the event.

“Joe Biden has plenty of mental acuity,” Ledbetter, of Dade City, said. “He brings a wealth of experiences that nobody in our politics matches.”

Ledbetter said many people are “confident and capable” at Biden’s advanced age. He cited his father, who filed his own taxes until 97, and an uncle who ran a business until 96.

Beverly Ledbetter agreed and said she’s confident in the president’s Cabinet.

Some local Democratic leaders have criticized the campaign. Alan Clendenin, a Tampa city council member and member of the Democratic National Committee, said in a news release Sunday that Biden should drop out.

“The future of the Republic we know is in imminent danger and we must hold our country above our party or any one individual,” said Clendenin. “I believe it is in the best interest of our country and the world that President Joe Biden step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to carry forward his agenda as our Democratic nominee.”