Former Vice President Joe Biden visited Park City Saturday morning, in a fundraising push for his 2020 presidential campaign.
After a rally in Las Vegas Friday, the presidential candidate briefly stopped off to fundraise and mingle with Utah supporters before heading to his next appearance in Denver. Park City residents Amy and Barry Baker hosted the event, with tickets ranging from $250 to $2,800.
An attendee told KPCW Biden gave a short speech that mirrored his announcement for candidacy, touching on the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville; confronting climate change; and moving away from divisive politics. He said he was hopeful about the nation’s future.
“I have never been more optimistic about America’s chances than I am today," Biden said.
Biden didn’t mention the impeachment inquiry House Democrats recently launched against President Donald Trump or the GOP attacks on his son, Hunter Biden.
One attendee, Jeff Stern, said he noticed a number of Utah's Democratic elected officials present at the event, including state Rep. Patrice Arent and state Sen. Derek Kitchen as well as Utah Democratic Party Chair Jeff Merchant.
Although Biden has led the nearly two dozen other candidates seeking the Democratic nomination, recent polling suggests Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has gained ground over the vice president.