Jill Biden Sweeps Through Battleground Pennsylvania Rallying Support for Harris
‘It's been my life's honor for this Philly girl to serve as your first lady,’ says Biden.
Leading up to Election Day eve, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden made three campaign stops in battleground Pennsylvania Sunday reminding people that character matters, telling them to get out and vote and, in an emotional moment, sharing with Pennsylvanians that it was her “life’s honor for this Philly girl to serve as your first lady.”
Late afternoon and surrounded by a crowd of about 100 at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, Biden described Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Harris as being her “mother's daughter.”
“Character and temperament matter” in this election, Biden said, adding that “at every turn, Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump created even more chaos.” The crowd gave her a big cheer when she said that, “for this Philly girl,” being their first lady had been the honor of a lifetime before heading out to thank volunteers at a local field office.
“This state counts—every vote counts,” she told the volunteers.
Earlier in the afternoon, Biden stopped at a Labor Mobilization event at the Alloy Hotel in King of Prussia where the ballroom was filled with local union members. Introduced by James Reilley of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Biden declared to the attendees “I’m a card-carrying union member” and then went on to talk about how the vice president’s mother was “kind of tough” and taught Harris to challenge injustice by taking matters into her own hands.
“It’s why Kamala Harris is the decisive, strong leader she is today,” the first lady said while urging people to make a plan to vote and reminding them of the polling times in Pennsylvania.
During her first stop of the day, Biden joined speakers Reverend Charles Quann and Governor Josh Shapiro at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Spring House. The congregants gave the first lady a standing ovation when Quann asked them to show how they “appreciate all that she's doing.”
Shapiro spoke about William Penn and Pennsylvania’s founding “on the principles of religious tolerance” that was “warm and welcoming for all.” As governor, Shapiro said he was “trying to build a commonwealth in the spirit of Penn,” he said, and that the election was a choice between “whether we're going to heed the calls that came from Penn three centuries ago.”
Shapiro hailed the Bidens as Pennsylvania natives and the first lady in particular as a “daughter of Willow Grove.” He thanked the Bidens for their service and said the country was better off because the first family had “brought those Pennsylvania values across this country.”
Biden began by talking about teaching stories in her community college classes.
“Stories can divide us and make us angry,” she said. “They can also isolate us and make us afraid. But stories can inspire us to rise to kindness as well, to show up and to speak out when we are needed.”
She quoted John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Biden went on to share her story about finding faith as a high schooler when she began worshipping at the local Presbyterian church—and years later nearly losing that faith when her son, Beau, was diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma. She said she'd stopped going to church but ultimately returned when, during a visit to church service with the president, a parishioner asked to be her prayer partner.
“In that moment, for the first time, I felt there was a recovering my faith in the depths of our brokenness,” she said, adding, “We cannot heal ourselves alone, but with God, all things are possible,” she said to loud applause.
The first lady then talked about what’s at stake in the election and encouraged the worshippers to make a plan to get to the polls and vote.
Barbara Bush Centennial to Celebrate Former First Lady’s Leadership in Literacy
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy announced last week the launch of the Barbara Bush Centennial, a national, yearlong celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the founder and former first lady’s birth.
The Barbara Bush Centennial will officially kick off with a special Celebration of Reading event at a private club in New York City on Nov. 20. Created by Barbara Bush more than three decades ago, the Foundation's Celebration of Reading events bring together bestselling authors, entertainers and special guests to raise support for nationwide literacy programs and increase awareness of our country's literacy challenge.
The Nov. 20 event will feature Brooke Shields, actor and author of the forthcoming book Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, in conversation with Lauren Bush Lauren, founder and CEO of FEED, as well as appearances by authors Jessamine Chan (The School for Good Mothers) and Kirsten Miller (Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books and The Change). The event will be co-chaired by Lori Wachs and Ali Velshi, emcee of the event and host of Velshi and chief correspondent for MSNBC.
Barbara Pierce Bush was born on June 8, 1925, and was the wife of President George H.W. Bush. She served as first lady from 1989 to 1993 and was an accomplished author, beloved mother and grandmother, and a passionate advocate for literacy. She established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989, shortly after the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush, remaining actively involved in the foundation’s mission until her passing on April 17, 2018, at the age of 92.
“Literacy is opportunity. The ability to read, write and comprehend allows us to navigate life with purpose and dignity—something that every single person deserves,” said Brooke Shields, in a news release. “As a longtime advocate for education, I’m honored to partner with the Barbara Bush Foundation to raise support for their lifechanging work, which is making a lasting impact on families nationwide.”
Over the course of 2025, the Barbara Bush Centennial will include a series of Celebration of Reading events in Miami, Florida, Kennebunkport, Maine, Dallas, Texas, and Washington, D.C.; special initiatives highlighting Barbara Bush's extraordinary life and legacy; and the launch of new family literacy programming.
TODAY’s Read with Jenna book club will participate in the series of Celebration of Reading events, which will feature select appearances by Jenna Bush Hager.
“My grandmother had an enormous influence on my love of reading. She taught me that the written word has incredible power to change hearts and minds,” said Jenna Bush Hager in the release. “She also taught me that there are far too many Americans who lack the literacy skills they need to experience the joy of reading, and to pass it down to their own children.”
Calendar
Application for White House Fellowship Program Is Open
The application for the 2025-2026 White House Fellows Program is now open, the White House announced Friday.
“This uniquely non-partisan program has a distinguished legacy that reaches back more than half a century, and we hope that Americans with a passion for leadership and public service will take a look at the website, examine the criteria, and consider applying–or urge others to consider applying,” said Rose Vela, Director of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships in a statement.
Founded in 1964, the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships is the Nation’s premier program for leadership and public service. The White House Fellowship offers exceptional Americans first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal Government on a strictly non-partisan basis. Selected individuals spend one year in Washington, D.C., working as full-time paid government employees, aiding Cabinet Secretaries, senior White House staff, and other top-ranking government officials.
The 2025-2026 White House Fellows Program year will begin in August 2025, and conclude in August 2026. All applicants must be United States citizens, and must have completed at least their undergraduate education. With the exception of active-duty military personnel, Federal Government employees are not eligible to apply. Selection criteria include:
A record of remarkable early-career professional achievement.
Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth.
A demonstrated commitment to public service.
The skills to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal Government and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
The application was available as of Nov. 1, 2024, and will remain open until Jan. 3, 2025, at 3 p.m. EST. Any applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
For more information, including details about the Fellowship, its history, and the selection process, click here.
Nov. 5, 2024
Elizabeth Keckley: From Enslavement to the White House
The Kent State University Museum in partnership with the National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a panel discussion on Nov. 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. EST at Kent state University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive Kent, Ohio, on the remarkable life of Elizabeth Keckley, who purchased her own freedom from slavery and became a successful entrepreneur and personal dressmaker to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. A cape made by Keckley for Mrs. Lincoln will be displayed at the event, as the program explores how fashion can illuminate historical narratives, from first ladies’ often-overlooked histories.
Featured speakers are Carmen Evelyn G. Nuyda, author of Lizzy: The Elizabeth Keckley Story; Sara Hume, PhD, Curator/Professor, Kent State University Museum; and Michelle Gullion, Senior Director of Curatorial Services, National First Ladies Library & Museum. Read more
Nov. 8, 2024
Legacy Lecture: Unveiling Edith Wilson's Political Power
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents the virtual Legacy Lecture on Friday, Nov. 8, from noon to 1 p.m. EST with Edith Michel, Senior Manager of Education and Collections at the President Woodrow Wilson House, about the captivating life and legacy of former First Lady Edith Wilson. Discover how she became more than just a first lady—becoming a political powerhouse, symbol of resilience, and the so-called “First Lady President.” Read more
Nov. 12, 2024
Confronting Racist Imagery in Museum Collections
Join the Tudor Place Historic House & Garden on Nov. 12, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST for a lively discussion as scholars and museum professionals address racist imagery in the collections of Georgetown University and Tudor Place. Artwork has played a role in constructing racism for centuries. Objects with racist imagery can range from white supremacist iconography to anti-Black caricatures. Museums can use this imagery to address historical injustices and foster dialogues about race, representation and prejudice, both past and present. Read more
Nov. 18, 2024
The Hidden Cost of Defending Books: Voices from the Front Lines
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center presents a thought-provoking virtual panel discussion from 6 to 7 p.m. E.S.T. on Nov. 18 that will delve into the emotional landscape of activism in the fight against book bans. The panel will examine the complex interplay of emotions that drive individuals to champion intellectual freedom, featuring a renowned author whose work has been challenged, a dedicated librarian on the frontlines of censorship, and a passionate student activist.
From the frustration experienced when ideas are silenced, to the unwavering determination of those defending access to information, to the resilience required to face threats of violence and intimidation, this discussion will provide powerful insights from individuals on the front line of book banning. This event is free to register and open to all. Read more
Nov. 21, 2024
Special Third Thursday Night Out: Pat Nixon Biographer Heath Hardage Lee
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents Heath Hardage Lee, the acclaimed author of the newly released book, The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington's Most Private First Lady presents Heath Lee members of Nixon's East Wing staff for a one-night-only at the museum. These remarkable women, who worked closely with Mrs. Nixon, will participate in a Q&A following the program. Read more
Nov. 24, 2024
First Ladies Fine Dining: Inauguration
Cookology at Ballston Quarter in Arlington, Virginia, presents a hands-on cooking class wand lecture by Andrew Och, aka “The First Ladies Man” on Nov. 24, 2024. Dolley Madison, Edith Wilson and Rosalynn Carter all come from different eras, decades and even centuries. However, that’s no reason not to cobble together the perfect meal from some of their favorite dishes and recipes. Comparing and contrasting the First Ladies through food and the events they hosted is a remarkable way to learn about the life and times of these incredibly influential women before, during and after their time in the White House as First Ladies. Read more
Nov. 25, 2024
First Ladies on the Page Book Club – Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a virtual First Ladies on the Page Book Club discussion on former First Lady Laura Bush’s memoir Spoken from the Heart. This month’s discussion offers a rich exploration of Laura Bush's life and historical connections. Read more
Dec. 6, 2024
2024 Holiday Book Festival
The White House Historical Association continues its tradition of producing award-winning books on many subjects related to the history of the White House—from its architecture, gardens, fine and decorative arts to the presidents and first ladies who lived there over the years. The authors of several award-winning books will be featured at its annual Holiday Book Festival on Dec. 6, 2024.
Artist and illustrator Dr. John Hutton will provide drawing lessons, demonstrate how to draw the presidents, and sign the series of children's books he illustrated.
Other authors include:
Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith will be signing their groundbreaking book Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women.
Art Chadwick, American orchid grower and entrepreneur, will be signing First Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas, which explores the history of First Ladies of the United States and the cattleya hybrids that are named after them.
Christi Harlan, writer and communications consultant in Washington, D.C., will be signing her book about Jimmy Carter: Mr. President, The Class Is Yours: Jimmy Carter's Sunday School Lessons in Washington, D.C.
Jonathan Stolz will be signing his book, Presidential Vignettes: Stories About Those Who Have Held the Hightest Office in the Land.
Melinda Dart compiled and edited this memoir of her grandfather, A Glimpse of Greatness: The Memoir of Irineo Esperancilla, which captures the amazing experience of a Filipino American who quietly served his family, his country and four presidents of the United States.
Dec. 8, 2024
A Timeless Holiday Tea with the First Ladies, Featuring Janet Weir Creighton's White House Entertaining Presentation
The National First Ladies Library & Museum will present "A Timeless Holiday Tea" on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. EST. Janet Weir Creighton, Stark County Commissioner and former George W. Bush Administration staff member, will discuss the fascinating world of White House china, entertaining, and state dinners. Read more
Dec. 8, 2024
Is the Truth Dead? The Press vs. Social Media in the Digital Age
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center presents a panel discussion on Dec. 8, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. EST exploring how the rise of social media has brought an explosion of information and opinions, making it harder to sift through the noise and find the truth amidst misinformation. Bloggers, influencers, politically driven media, and politicians now wield the power to influence without evidence. How does traditional journalism rise to meet this challenge? In honor of International Human Rights Day on December 10, join the ERC at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum for a lively discussion on how journalism and social media shape truth in the digital era. Read more
Submit calendar items, announcements and press releases to East Wing Magazine at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.