A lively buzz permeated the Plumas Park Gym as more than 200 senior citizens, local officials and candidates, tribal leaders and volunteers from Joe Biden's campaign listened to the first lady, who was joined by actress and activist Jane Fonda.
Biden reiterated the importance of his administration passing policies that directly affect seniors, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time in history.
During his roughly 10-minute speech, Biden also addressed a common complaint among voters: the president's age. Biden is 81 years old, while former President Donald Trump celebrated his 78th birthday on Friday.
“Joe and the other guy are essentially the same age. Don't be fooled,” Biden said. “This election is about the character of the person who leads our country.”
Janice Flanagan, 92, of Reno, was one of the first guests to line up to find shade and escape the afternoon heat.
“Well, to me he is a young spirit,” she said, “and I think he has a long life ahead of him.”
Flanagan said her biggest personal issues are abortion access and women's rights, especially her grandchildren's rights. She supports the Biden administration's efforts to cancel student loan debt for some students.
“I don't want to see young people stop at graduating college with a heavy burden on their shoulders,” Flanagan said. “I hope people, especially young people, understand that this is a big deal.”
Meanwhile, some in the audience wanted to hear more about how the administration is addressing affordable housing and food and gas prices for seniors.
Biden's visit was the campaign's first major event in northern Nevada since Tuesday's primary. Current and former Nevada lawmakers said it was crucial for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate and the White House that the crowds help Biden and incumbent Sen. Jacky Rosen win reelection against opponent Sam Brown.
