DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Metro Detroit will host President Joe Biden on Thursday for an event hosted by the United Auto Workers (UAW).

The White House confirmed the president would be visiting just three-and-a-half weeks ahead of the state’s Feb. 27 presidential primary election. 

UAW endorses Biden.

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At the UAW National Community Action Program Conference in Washington last week, UAW President Shawn Fain announced the union’s support for Biden. 

“This November, we can stand up and elect someone who wants to stand with us and support our cause,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Or we can elect someone who will divide us and fight us every step of the way.”

Fain further expressed that the choice for president came down to which candidate would support the union best. 

“The question is, who do we want in that office to give us the best shot of winning?” he said. “Of organizing. Of negotiating strong contracts. Of uniting the working class and winning our fair share once again, as our union has done so many times in our nation’s history. We need to know who’s going to sit in the most powerful seat in the world and help us win as a united working class.”

However, Fain admitted last week that an endorsement of Biden does not guarantee all UAW members will cast a vote for him.

President Biden speaks to the UAW.

“Look, I kept my commitment to be the most pro-union president ever, and I’m proud you have my back,” President Biden said to the UAW conference. “Let me just say I’m honored to have your back and you have mine. That’s the deal.” 

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The leading Democrat candidate for president in New Hampshire also complemented Fain and the leaders of the auto union. 

“The leadership of the UAW spread across the country and led to the first substantial wage increase in a long time, the first cost-of-living allowance, the first employer-provided healthcare,” said President Biden. “Within four years, workers across the entire auto industry unionized, inspiring workers across other industries as well, giving life to new industries in the labor movement.” 

Michigan brings swing state potential.

Currently, Michigan exists as one of the five main swing states. These states include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, most of which have a number of Senate seats up for election this year. 

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) said earlier this week that Michigan is a “purple” state rather than a straight “red” or “blue” state.

President Biden’s main Republican competition, former President Donald Trump, won Michigan in 2016. He ultimately lost the state by several percentage points in 2020.