LYNN — His charisma and ability to connect with a crowd is what former Lynn YMCA Branch Director Audrey Jiménez remembers most about President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to Lynn nearly seven years ago.
“The minute you saw him from far away, it was like he lit up the space,” Jiménez said. “He turned on that smile and was so seemingly authentic that I think it really moved all of us. No one really expected it.”
Then serving as vice president under President Barack Obama, Biden’s appearance at the Lynn YMCA on Oct. 29, 2014 was part of an effort to turn public opinion in favor of Democratic congressional candidate and Salem native Seth Moulton.
At the time, Moulton faced off against Republican Richard Tisei and Independent candidate Chris Stickwell in the upcoming general election.
Lynn was considered a major battleground as the race’s outcome hinged largely on voter turnout in the predominantly Democratic city. Moulton ultimately emerged victorious, going on to represent the Sixth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Of those who were there that day to witness Biden’s rousing speech — during which he endorsed Moulton’s plan for job creation, tax reform, and senior assistance programs — many still say the moment isn’t something they’ll soon forget.
“He talked a lot about what he talks about now, about family and about how important integrity and all that stuff is,” said former Lynn YMCA president and CEO Bruce Macdonald. “He’s almost over the top emotional about that topic.”
Macdonald recalled receiving a phone call weeks prior to Biden’s arrival letting him know a high-up official would be holding a rally at the facility, although he said the YMCA was not immediately informed of which official would be making an appearance, only adding to speculation among staff in the days leading up to the big event.
He noted that the center’s national headquarters actually expressed hesitation initially at the idea of the YMCA hosting a political rally of any kind.
“I got a little pushback from (YMCA of the USA). They didn’t want us to do it because they felt the Y shouldn’t be backing political candidates,” Macdonald said. “I said, ‘this is the vice president of the United States coming to our Y. I don’t care if he’s a Democrat or Republican or whatever. It’s an opportunity for the kids to experience something like this.’”
And what an experience it was.
“It really was very unique to have someone at that level of government come here because we got to witness firsthand how they prepare beforehand, which was really fascinating,” said Jiménez. “It really made an impact on me.
“The position I was in at the time was a community-based position, and I met a lot of people who do the work on the front lines and try to make a difference … but Joe Biden’s impact was above and beyond.
“I always kind of liked him, but when I saw him in person, even just his presence was like a magnet. It was really something extraordinary.”
State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), a state representative for 11th Essex District at the time, was one of several local officials to open for Biden that day.
“I had just won my first race for state rep and was invited to help kick off the event,” Crighton said. “Just going down there, I didn’t fully appreciate the gravity of having the vice president come to us, and I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been … but it was one of those moments you’ll never forget.
“Granted I was one of many speakers, but to say you opened up for the now-president of the United States — it’s pretty cool.”