Joe Biden’s team made an effort to portray him as a relatable figure similar to his potential GOP opponent, Donald Trump, by organizing a stop at a local convenience store on his way to Pittsburgh International Airport after delivering a speech at the United Steelworkers Headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh.
Biden’s visit to the Sheetz convenience store on Thursday, where he purchased sandwiches for construction workers, received considerably less attention compared to Trump’s recent visit to a Bodega in Harlem, as shown in online videos. During his time at the store, Biden struggled with answering questions before leaving in his motorcade.
“While the Pittsburgh Post Gazette also reported that Biden was flanked by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, the overall response to his presence seemed incredibly tame for a sitting president only a few months away from his re-election bid,” The Western Journal noted.
WATCH:
Biden visit a Sheetz gas station in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania pic.twitter.com/x0ba0UQHFJ
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) April 17, 2024
Contrast Biden’s visit with Trump’s:
Chants of “WE LOVE TRUMP!” break out as Trump visits a bodega in Harlem.pic.twitter.com/fVwkLHUr9r
— GOP (@GOP) April 17, 2024
Flippin genius.
President Trump leaves NY starchamber show-trial and stops at bodega in Harlem.
The crowd loves him.
(Credit @RSBNetwork) pic.twitter.com/jHJYPxWxpB
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) April 16, 2024
This particular bodega held significant importance. It was known as the “Jose Alba bodega” where, in 2022, a worker named Jose Alba tragically stabbed an attacker who approached him from behind the counter. Alba was apprehended and faced murder charges under Bragg’s jurisdiction. Following his arrest, Alba was incarcerated in Ryker’s Island jail with a bail set at $250,000. However, due to widespread public outcry, his charges were eventually dismissed.
During a segment of the “Greg Kelly Report” on Newsmax, which was shared on the X platform, the former president addressed the escalating crime rates that have plagued New York City’s bodegas. Notably, an organization representing numerous bodegas publicly endorsed him.
Remember the man who defended himself 2 years ago and Alvin Bragg arrested and charged him? Trump pays a visit to the same bodega and is treated as a hero.
Love us some Trump! Make NY safe again. pic.twitter.com/mi6Q4sFjRx
— SweetPeaBelle (@SweetPeaBell326) April 17, 2024