Biden and Harris hail win against Big Pharma as they woo older voters

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris cast themselves as the champions of older people in a David-and-Goliath fight against big pharmaceutical companies, at a joint event last night touting a deal to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

- Lauren Gambino

"We finally beat big pharma," Biden declared, speaking at Prince George's County Community College in Largo, Maryland.

It was Biden and Harris's first joint speaking appearance since Biden abandoned his re-election bid in late July and Harris replaced him as the Democratic nominee.

The event, which came after a morning announcement about new lower drug prices for beneficiaries of Medicare, a government health insurance plan for older people, was an opportunity to persuade voters that their administration has helped ease costs after years of high inflation. Healthcare is a key issue for US voters in this election, and Biden had held a slight lead over Trump for his platform throughout the year before he dropped out of the race.

Harris spoke first, calling Biden "our extraordinary president", as the crowd packed into the gymnasium rose to its feet to applaud him.

"Thank you, Joe," they chanted in appreciation of, according to several attendees, both his record and his decision to pass the torch to Harris.

Biden called Harris an "incredible partner" and said she would "make one hell of a president".