Fairfax, Va.— Vice President Joe Biden received a warm send-off at a frigid outdoor rally in Northern Virginia for Democratic VP nominee Tim Kaine.
Biden opened for Kaine and acknowledged that life would change after Tuesday’s election, when he said he hoped Kaine would become the vice-president-elect. The VP thanked the crowd for their support and prayers, and told the audience that Tuesday marked the most important election in recent memory.
“There has never been a more important tomorrow in modern electoral history, and again that’s a fact,” Biden told the crowd as the temperature dipped near 40 degrees.
But, Biden said, it was important for the crowd to move on from the divisiveness that has marked the campaign as soon as the election ends.
“We’re going to be treating each other with respect, starting tomorrow,” Biden said. “I’ve been tough on Donald Trump, as tough as anyone, but when this is over, we’ve got to let it go.”
Biden told the crowd that “our success as a nation is not guaranteed,” but with Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine in the White House, America would lead the way. He said with Clinton and Kaine, America will develop a vaccination for cancer.
The large crowd seemed more energized during the vice president’s speech than during Kaine’s own remarks, and even broke into spontaneous chants of “Joe!” as Kaine spoke.
Others addressing the crowd on Monday night appeared to sense the desire from Kaine’s supporters to see the election finally come to a close. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, Kaine’s colleague from Virginia in Congress’ upper chamber, took the stage noting that the election would finally end in just 24 hours time.
Biden, who chose not to pursue a presidential campaign in 2016 after much handwringing, appeared to recognize that his career in electoral politics may be nearing its end too. But he remained adamant that America’s best days remain ahead.
“We will own the finish line in the 21st century, I promise you,” Biden said.
