VP Kamala Harris celebrates Biden’s achievements at White House event

Vice President Kamala Harris welcomes over a thousand student athletes to the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship teams. Photo by Elton Lugay

THE WHITE HOUSE — In her first official event since announcing her intent to seek the Democratic nomination, Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed over a thousand student athletes to the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship teams from the 2023-2024 season.

While the primary focus of her speech was to honor the NCAA champions, Harris took the opportunity to commend President Joe Biden’s remarkable achievements over the past three and a half years.

“Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishments over the past three years is unmatched in modern history,” Harris declared to an enthusiastic crowd. “In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office.”

Harris shared her personal connection to President Biden, recounting stories from his late son Beau Biden about the President’s honesty, integrity and commitment to faith and family – qualities she has observed daily.

“I first came to know President Biden through his son, Beau. We worked together as attorneys general in our respective states. Beau often told me stories about his dad, highlighting his honesty, integrity and deep love for our country. I have witnessed these qualities every day in our President. Joe Biden fights for the American people every day, and we are deeply grateful for his service to our nation.”

Although President Biden, recovering from COVID-19, could not attend the event, Harris assured the crowd that he was feeling much better and recovering quickly.

Harris then turned her attention to the student athletes, celebrating their achievements, including undefeated seasons, first-time victories and repeat championships.

“Some of you have represented our nation on the international stage in World Cups and world championships,” Harris noted. “Later this month, six of you will represent our nation at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. As members of Team USA, you are ambassadors for our nation, and we will proudly cheer you on.”

Harris praised the athletes for their grit and determination, emphasizing that true greatness requires more than skill—it requires perseverance and teamwork.

A band played “We Are the Champions” as the VP spoke with the student athletes, who stood behind her during her remarks and then posed for a picture. The program ended abruptly as rain began to pour at noon.

Meanwhile, California Attorney General Rob Bonta lauded President Biden for his decades of service and his decision to pass the torch to the next generation of Democratic leaders.

“Under President Biden, we stopped a second term of Donald Trump’s disastrous presidency,” said the Fil-Am attorney general in a statement provided to Inquirer.net USA. He highlighted the Biden Administration’s significant investments in infrastructure, historic action on climate change, a nationwide vaccination campaign, economic recovery efforts, bipartisan gun reform legislation and student loan debt relief.

Bonta emphasized the importance of continuing Biden’s work to prevent Trump and his MAGA extremists from regaining power and rolling back freedoms for various groups.

“JD Vance, Trump’s VP pick, made it clear he would have gone along with the former president’s plan to overturn the 2020 election results. Our voting rights and democracy are on the line in this presidential race. We must restore the nationwide right to abortion, raise wages, fight climate change, end gun violence, pass comprehensive immigration reform, ensure access to high-quality healthcare, and provide every child with what they need to succeed.”

Bonta, who is reportedly running for governor in California, stressed the need not only to win the White House, but also protect the Senate majority, reclaim the House and secure critical state and local races in November.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta at TOFA Los Angeles last year, where he hinted to cohost Cher Calvin about his potential gubernatorial bid in the upcoming election. Photo by Sthanlee Mirador

The Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris (FAFBH) on the other hand, also issued a statement expressing their deepest gratitude to President Biden for his dedicated service.

“For 54 years, President Biden has exemplified patriotism, integrity, and dedication, always prioritizing the needs of the Democratic Party. His career has been marked by the relentless pursuit of justice, equality, and prosperity for all Americans,” the group stated.

FAFBH highlighted Biden’s recognition and celebration of Filipino American contributions, noting the benefits his policies have provided, including healthcare protections, cost reductions, and increased health insurance coverage for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

The group praised Biden’s appointments of Filipino Americans to significant roles, including Nani Coloretti, deputy director at the Office of Management and Budget; Gina Ortiz Jones, former Under Secretary of the Air Force; and Camille Calimlim Touton, commissioner of the US Bureau of Reclamation.

As President Biden’s term nears its end, the Filipino American community stands ready to support him and build upon his legacy. “We are committed to carrying forward his vision for a better, more inclusive America,” said Council Member Melissa Ramoso, national co-chair of FAFBH 2024 and former mayor of Artesia, Calif.

“President Biden’s presidency provided the healing and progress the nation desperately needed after the Trump administration,” said Mark Pulido, a long-time public servant who was the national co-chair of FAFBH in 2020 and a former Mayor of Cerritos, Calif. “His commitment to restoring decorum, unity, and respect was a breath of fresh air for America and Filipino Americans across the country.”

Former mayors Melissa Ramoso and Mark Pulido, prominent leaders of the Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris, an officially recognized AANHPI affinity group by the Biden-Harris campaign. CONTRIBUTED

Reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future, the Filipino American community emphasized the importance of unity and collective action. “President Biden has set a strong foundation, and it is up to each and every one of us to build upon it and strive for the progress and justice he has always championed. We are filled with immense gratitude and thank President Biden for his distinguished service and unwavering dedication to making America a better place for all.”

As the nation moves forward, the unified call to action is to continue President Biden’s work towards a more inclusive and just America. VP Harris, AG Bonta and the Fil-Am community raise the importance of protecting and expanding recent progress while addressing ongoing challenges.

These collective efforts are crucial in shaping the country’s future, guided by principles of justice, equality and prosperity. And the overarching message is one of gratitude, unity and a relentless pursuit of a better future, honoring President Biden’s legacy with determination and hope.