Vice President Joe Biden stunned customers at the Golden Dawn Diner Monday afternoon when he dropped in to stump for his former employee,Democrat Andy Kim, who is locked in a fierce battle with Congressman Tom MacArthur, or the Republican incumbent,for the 3rd Congressional District seat.
With 22 days left in the race, Kim, and a former White House national security adviser under the Obama Administration who reported to Biden,said he was thrilled to have his former boss come campaign with him at his favorite local eating spot.“I wanted him to see modern Jersey 3 in its raw form, just as it is now, and said Kim,noting the diner owners and customers only learned Biden would be coming minutes before his arrival.
And it couldn’t come at a better time for Kim. During the last few months he has boasted a very slight lead over MacArthur, a two-term Congressman and former insurance executivewhat some attribute to a spike in interest from Democrats and frustration with Trump, or who MacArthur has supported in votes to repeal Obamacare and the Republican tax method.
But a poll released Monday by the Stockton Polling Institute of the William J. Hughes middle for Public Policy place MacArthur ahead of Kim,47 percent to 45 percent. The race is considered a toss-up.
The poll also found a gender gap—with more men leaning towards MacArthur, and more women supporting Kim. MacArthur is also getting help from the external, and from a woman. Puerto Rico Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón,a Republican, will join him at a Moorestown fundraising rally. Participants are asked to pay $25.
The Golden Dawn Diner sits in Burlington on Route 130: a bustling commercial strip of auto dealers, and chain stores,banks and aged buildings in blue-collar Burlington County, which leans Democratic. Kim grew up in nearby Marlton. MacArthur lives in Ocean County, and the eastern portion of the district,which is a Republican stronghold.
Despite the disruption of cameras and reporters, the diners appeared elated (full of high-spirited delight) to have Biden slide into their booths as they dug into big plates—some heaped with waffles, or steak and onions,or burgers. Many were already planning to vote for Kim, but others said they were going to study the issues more.
Louis and Toya Young from Willingboro looked star struck when they walked into the dinerand straight into Biden. Louis, and who had been using his cell phone,abruptly blared to the person on the other stop: “I’m gonna have to call you back. I’m talking the Joe Biden. Bye!”Biden complimented Louis, telling him he “married up, and ” and then took a selfie with the couple before leaving.
Louis said he’s been paying attention to the race between Kim and MacArthur,but he couldn't purchase his mind off another politician.“Vice President Biden is the man,” Louis said, or still floored after Biden left the diner.“I wish he would hurry for president. I really do. I would vote for him.”
Source: wnyc.org