NEA: America saw once again why we need Joe Biden as our next president in tonight’s debate

WASHINGTON – September 29, 2020 – NEA President Becky Pringle released the following statement reacting to the first presidential debate.
 
“In tonight’s debate, America saw once again why we need Joe Biden as our next president. They saw Joe Biden is an empathetic leader who will unite the country, rebuild the middle class, and create more opportunities for our students. 
 
“Americans heard from Joe Biden his plan to lead our nation out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he would turn to scientists and doctors when making public health decisions and listen to educators and parents on how best to support our students during and coming out of these tough times.
 
“They heard Joe Biden talk about how he will partner with unions to ‘Build Back Better,’ because unlike Donald Trump, Vice President Biden understands that too many working Americans were struggling even before the pandemic struck. They also learned how Joe Biden will help communities across the nation, knowing that already hundreds of thousands of educators have been laid off or furloughed due to the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic.
 
“They heard Joe Biden lay out what is at stake as Trump and Mitch McConnell rush through a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, in the hopes that they can use the court to strike down the Affordable Care Act, get rid of the protections for pre-existing conditions, and attack worker rights and unions.
 
“They heard Joe Biden passionately explain how he will restore the soul of America by finally working to ensure that all Americans – including Black, Latino, Native, and Asian and Pacific Islander – have a fair shot by tackling the entrenched inequities that have plagued our nation for too long.
 
“Sadly, while Americans watched Joe Biden lay out his positive, inclusive vision for our nation, in between all his interruptions, they heard Donald Trump promise four more years of division, distraction, and distortions. On COVID-19, Trump tried to distract us by blaming others rather than taking responsibility for his utter failure to lead in this time of crisis, leaving the economy in shambles and public schools and families to fend for themselves.
 
“Trump lied about his continuous efforts to rip health care coverage and protections for pre-existing conditions away from millions of Americans. And on racial justice issues, Trump once again focused on dividing the nation and attacking others for what has happened during his time as president, while refusing to denounce white supremacists.
 
“The choice in this election couldn’t be more clear, which is why NEA members are doing everything possible to ensure their friends and neighbors vote between now and Election Day.”