Just 3.2 miles away from Sage Creek High School, President Joe Biden spoke to a crowd of approximately 1,400 people at a rally for incumbent Rep. Mike Levin on Nov. 3. Biden stunned the community of Oceanside with his unexpected visit to advocate for Levin’s re-election and to inspire people to vote in the midterm elections on Nov. 8. 

The line for entry into the MiraCosta gymnasium where Biden would speak wrapped around the college campus with nearly 2,000 people – all eager to get a glimpse of the president. 

Behind the podium on the stage, MiraCosta students and volunteers with Levin’s campaign lined up to hold “Mike Levin for Congress” signs. Audience members watched a livestream by CBS8 on their phones, resulting in applause as President Biden’s plane landed at the MCAS Miramar around 6:19 p.m. on Thursday night. Biden was greeted by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Todd Gloria and Levin upon arrival. 

“Democracy is not automatic like gravity or the sun rising,” Levin expressed in his speech. “Democracy only happens when people like all of you in this room make it happen. We’ve got to make it happen. Our democracy and our life as we know in this country are on the ballot. That’s what we’re fighting for.” 

Levin noted his work in voting in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act as well as to improve infrastructure – most evident in his work to repair the railroad between San Diego and Los Angeles. Moreover, Levin spoke about his continued efforts to help veterans in terms of housing and healthcare affordability. The representative emphasized his commitment to helping lower costs for Californians:

“In the next two years, we can make real progress on inflation, price gouging, corporate greed, public safety and federally codifying a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.” 

The incumbent congressman urged all people at the event to join him in the final stretch before the midterm elections. Levin’s race against Republican challenger Brian Maryott is currently declared a “toss-up” race by The Cook Political Report. Whether it be making phone calls for the campaign or canvassing neighborhoods, Levin emphasized the impact that every voter interaction can make on this race. 

Levin then welcomed the president to the stage, referring to him as “Joe from Scranton” in reference to Biden’s humble roots and upbringing in Scranton, PA. 

Biden began his speech with gratitude for the large crowd that showed up. The president paced the stage, making sure to address and interact with all audience members – even those standing behind him – as he recognized Iranian protesters holding up Iranian flag images on their phones.

“Don’t worry, we’re going to free Iran,” Biden said. “They’re going to free themselves pretty soon.”

Protesters for Iran arrived at MiraCosta with signs and flags in hand, ready to urge President Biden to do something for their people. The venue did not permit large signs due to security concerns; however, protesters were still able to represent their cause outside of it.

“I want President Biden to hear the voice of the people of Iran,” protester Lona Jafari said. “I’m here to tell President Biden ‘do not make a deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Any money given to Iran’s regime will be bullets into my people’s bodies.’” 

Biden also acknowledged Sage Creek senior Jared Smith in the audience who held up a sign that said “thank you for having a stutter.” The president recalled his experience of growing up with a stutter and offered words of encouragement for those who face the same struggle. 

“It’s awful hard to ask a girl to go to the p-p-p-prom with me,” Biden said to draw attention to his stutter. “It won’t define you.”

Biden told the crowd that he stays in contact with 35 children who also face the challenge of having a speech impediment. Smith provided contact information to Biden’s staff upon the president’s request and is grateful for the representation that the president brings to the table. 

“I just wanted to thank him because having a disability, no matter how minor, and then fitting into society is such a thankless task,” Smith shared. “It’s not often you can see figures with similar struggles and it’s even rarer to see people be open about it.” 

With such an immense turnout, 600 people were turned away due to room capacity limitations. Senior Evelyn Parra was one of them, yet she finds the experience outside of the venue to still be extremely memorable. 

“I have always seen him and all his vehicles on the TV. However, in person it’s a whole different experience,” Parra explained. “The energy and the light all felt really cool. Regardless of who you support, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you just had to be there to understand the feeling.” 

Notably, Biden praised voters ages 18 to 30 for their role in preserving America’s democracy.  

“I’ve never been more optimistic in my life about the prospects in this country,” Biden said of young voters. “They’re the best educated, they’re the most informed – not a joke – they’re the most generous and they’re the most engaged and I’m counting on them showing up and voting.” 

The 46th president stayed overnight in San Diego in order to visit Carlsbad-based technology company ViaSat the following day, who the president says will benefit from the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act. The bill is set to improve the country’s production of microchips. 

Biden closed his speech with comments on the fate of the country and democracy. Election Day is Nov. 8. Find a vote center location at sdvote.com.  

“We got to remember who in God’s name we are,” Biden said. “We are the United States of America, for God’s sake. There’s nothing – not a single thing in the world we can’t do if we do it together. Not one single thing.”