Joe Biden Comes To Birmingham To Campaign For Doug Jones

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Thousands of people gathered at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex to see and hear Joe Biden speak on behalf of Alabama's Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Doug Jones. The large crowd is worth mentioning mainly because Alabama has not elected a Democratic senator since 1990, and this election looks to be the best chance the Democrats have had in Alabama in almost three decades. That is not to say the odds are not stacked heavily against Jones.

Roy Moore, who defeated the Trump-backed incumbent Luther Strange in a runoff in September, is the Republican candidate and is leading in every poll at the moment. Jones said in his speech to supporters Tuesday he knows he has a steep hill to climb in order to win the Dec. 12 election. However, Jones is hoping those who have normally voted Republican in Alabama will have a change of heart in this election.

"I truly believe that this campaign is on the right side of history," Jones said. "We are on the right side of justice, and I can guarantee that Roy Moore is not on the right side of history."

Jones made another subtle jab at Moore by promising that, if elected, he will "finish out his term." Moore, who was elected to the position of Chief Justice for the Alabama Supreme Court was twice removed from that position before his term was up. "You carry out your term by following your oath," Jones said. "You do that by fulfilling your promise to the people, by following the rule of law."

A common campaign motto for Republicans in just about every race over the last 20 years from State Agriculture Director to United States Senator has been about "Alabama values." And although those values have not been clearly defined, candidates have used that as a platform to get elected in Alabama for several years. Jones addressed that.

"I will fight for equality, fight for justice, for women's rights, for the health of everyone in this state," Jones said. "Those are the real Alabama values." Jones also pledged to keep rural hospitals open and to make sure Medicare and Medicaid are protected.

Biden said Jones possesses what political leaders need today. He said times have changed politically in the U.S. "Everything has become so mean-spirited," Biden said. "There have always been people who did not see eye to eye in Washington, but the political system worked. Today it is terrible. It is always a personal attack, and you cannot have a real discussion with anyone anymore."

Biden said he feels Jones can come in and get dialogue started, and that he will bring a sense of dignity and respect to the office, by treating others with dignity and respect - even if they are not his political ally.

Jones, who as a U.S. attorney prosecuted the KKK members responsible for the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing - 40 years after the incident - was praised by Biden for his courage and his integrity. Jones, who worked for Sen. Howell Heflin until Heflin retired in 1996, is seeking his first public office.

Photo by Michael Seale