Jill Biden holds rally at Stephens College

She said she is concerned about students' futures.

By Daniel Ramey

Published Oct. 21, 2008

Jill Biden, the wife of Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden, held a small rally on the Stephens College Campus on Friday morning to draw support for her husband and his running mate, presidential candidate Barack Obama. 

During the speech, Jill Biden focused on education. She is a professor at Delaware Technical and Community College in Wilmington, Del.

"I always say my students are my heroes," she said. "They believe in the power of education and working hard to build a brighter future for their families."  

Biden also discussed recent economic downturns that have hurt her students in their studies. 

"More than ever before, I'm seeing students who can't do their homework because they can't afford books, who can't come back to campus for extra help because they can't afford the gas," she also noted. 

Biden also talked about how important the election is to not only the students but to all Americans. 

"It's not about my husband becoming the next vice president, or even Barack Obama becoming the next president," she said. "It's about you, your hopes, your dreams, your fears and your security." 

In her speech, Biden encouraged those in attendance of the rally to get involved with the election and to help get others involved in it as well. 

"I want the Show-Me State to show the way," she said.  

Prior to Biden, Democratic politicians from Missouri also tried to encourage crowd members to turn out to the polls.

Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee said Missouri, a crucial battleground state in the election, could help to propel either party into victory in the election.

"We're going to need every one of you out there," Montee said.

Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, also spoke to the crowd of the importance of going to the polls on Election Day.

"You've heard a lot about change in the course of this campaign, and everywhere I go people say they need change," Baker said. "People are beginning to stand up and make sure it happens."