WILMINGTON, Del. — Cindy McCain is going to bat for Joe Biden, lending her voice and husband's legacy to his campaign for president.
A video, that aired Tuesday night, was not an explicit endorsement from Cindy McCain, but her involvement is her biggest public showing of support yet for Biden's candidacy.
“My husband and Vice President Biden enjoyed a 30+ year friendship dating back to before their years serving together in the Senate, so I was honored to accept the invitation from the Biden campaign to participate in a video celebrating their relationship,” Cindy McCain tweeted.
In 2017, following Sen. McCain’s brain cancer diagnosis, Biden appeared on ABC’s “The View,” which is co-hosted by the senator’s daughter Meghan McCain. The segment was emotional, as Biden discussed how he lost his son Beau in 2015 from the same type of cancer that ultimately killed Sen. McCain.
McCain died in August 2018 from brain cancer. The Biden-McCain relationship has been well documented over the years.
Tuesday night, Arizona was highlighted heavily at the virtual Democratic National Convention.
A teacher, wearing a "Red for Ed" shirt announced Arizona's delegate count for Joe Biden, who officially secured the Democratic Presidential nomination Tuesday.
"As a middle school teacher, I know public educators are doing everything they can to make sure our students have quality learning experiences this fall," said Marisol Garcia." As an Arizona Latina, I proudly cast our votes, 29 for Bernie Sanders and 51 for our next president Joe Biden."
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez helped deliver the group keynote address. "Let's get real, there's a lot riding on this election," said Nez.
Arizonans, from Gilbert and Sedona were featured in a conversation about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which Biden helped establish as Vice President.
"He was born in '15 with a heart condition," said father Steve Gomez, talking about his son. "And he ended up requiring a transplant. Thankfully the ACA had already taken effect. But now that's something we think about all the time...His initial hospital stay was over $3 million that was billed back to the insurance."
Jeff Jeans, from Sedona, talked about his throat cancer diagnosis.
"It was stage four, the worst kind of cancer you can have. My wife applied for insurance through the Affordable Care Act and my coverage began on April 1 in 2012 and that same day they started my chemo and radiation. And it saved my life. I’m here today," said Jeans, who says he switched parties to become a Democrat after the experience.
But perhaps the biggest attempt to win over Arizonans came with the ad, highlighting Biden's friending with Senator McCain.
The segment ended with McCain's own words.
"Thank you for your example of how to remain the same good guy that you were when you first got here. Most of all, for your friendship. My life and the lives of many have been enriched by it," said McCain.
"I think it will have an impact, not a massive impact. But this election, with how polarized it is - you just need to make a marginal impact to tip the scales. And Arizona is unequivocally key in the road to 270 [delegates]," said Mike Noble, Chief of Research & Managing Partner of OH Predictive Insights (OHPI).
My husband and Vice President Biden enjoyed a 30+ year friendship dating back to before their years serving together in the Senate, so I was honored to accept the invitation from the Biden campaign to participate in a video celebrating their relationship.https://t.co/Y6XOnBC1IW
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 18, 2020
Noble said Arizonans should prepare for a barrage of political ads ahead of November, as the fight ramps up.
"A battleground state means people care about you. They’re going to spend lots of money here. You’re going to get lots of attention and love. So, if you’re into politics, you have a front row seat to the 2020 elections," he said.
