Remarks by the Second Gentleman at a Campaign Event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

[As Prepared for Delivery]

Bishop Reed and First Lady Reed, thank you for welcoming me into your community service.

And to my dear friend Senator Hughes, it's always great to be with you.

On the Sunday before Election Day — before this special, historic Election Day — there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

Kamala grew up in a church like this one.

Church is the place that made her who she is. She sang in the children's choir and learned about a loving God.

That church in Oakland instilled in Kamala her strong personal faith — and taught her that faith is a verb.

It inspired her life's purpose, which is to lift others up. It also shaped her character, which is why she doesn't tear others down.

I've heard her talk about that church many times — about how it's not just a Sunday service, but the center of a community. It's not just a belief system, but a support system.

And even though she and I come from different faiths, it's like Kamala always says: we have so much more in common than what separates us.

When we got married, Kamala encouraged me to embrace my faith. She wanted me to feel the same meaning in mine that she finds in hers.

I'm grateful that she pushed me to do that, and that she urged me to use my voice to fight antisemitism, racism and all forms of hate.

A week ago today was the anniversary of the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in American history. Last week, I went to Pittsburgh to meet, and not for the first time, with survivors and relatives of that tragedy.

I spoke about one of the choices we have in this election: whether this will be a country where everyone feels welcome, where no one feels attacked or alone.

And I talked about why it's on all of us as people of faith to speak out against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Those who hate Jews often hate people of color, hate Muslims, hate LGBTQ people, hate anyone who doesn't look or pray or think like they do.

I know that Sharon is also a place that says: everyone is welcome. Everyone fits in. Everyone has a place.

My friends, that value we've all learned in our communities of faith is also our vision for America.

Your Christian faith — my Jewish faith — our faith is not just about what we do ourselves.

It's about who we bring along with us.

My wife Kamala believes in a vision for America that sees us all — one where people doesn't just get by — but have an opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for letting me join your service today. And thank you for keeping Kamala and our entire family in your prayers.