Biden in Syracuse: How the president’s five-hour visit unfolded

President Biden visits Central NY

President Joe Biden arrives in Syracuse, N.Y., aboard Air Force One Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Biden is making his first visit to Syracuse as president to highlight Micron Technology Inc.’s plan to build a $100 billion semiconductor plant in Clay. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y. -- President Joe Biden is expected to spend about four hours in Syracuse today, speaking at Onondaga Community College about Micron Technology’s plans to invest up to $100 billion in a computer chip fabrication complex just outside of the city.

Biden’s trip comes three weeks after the semiconductor giant announced it would create as many as 9,000 at a new chip fab in Clay, N.Y.

It also comes at a critical political time, just 12 days before the Nov. 8 elections and as Democrats fear losing control of Congress. The president is expected to both celebrate Micron’s arrival in Central New York and make a case to voters nationwide that his Democratic strategy to fight inflation and create jobs is better than the Republican alternative.

We’re also expecting today to hear more about Micron’s pledges to build its workforce, an effort that will include working with local schools, colleges and community groups.

We’ve got more than a dozen journalists on the story, from riding in the presidential motorcade to covering Biden’s remarks at around 3:30 p.m. Follow here for updates. Here’s how to watch the speech at SRC Arena.

Air Force One takes off

Biden landed just before 2 p.m. today and left at about 7 p.m. It was a five-hour visit that had two objectives: celebrate Micron’s promises in Central New York and hammer home a message to voters that Democratic economic strategy is better for the country in the long-run.

The president didn’t stop in his former neighborhood, nor drive by the school where his first wife taught. His motorcade did get a glimpse of Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome, where Biden has given speeches and watched football over the years.

During his remarks at OCC, he acknowledged that many families have had a tough few years but said there have been many gains.

“I’ve never been more optimistic in my life about America’s future,” he said.

Back at Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Biden is back at Hancock, according to reporter Chris Carlson.

For those keeping score at home, Biden was scheduled to depart at 5:15 p.m. So just an hour and 35 minutes behind schedule.

At 6:51 p.m, Glenn Coin reported Biden just walked onto the plane.

Passing by the Dome

On his way out of town, Biden’s motorcade passed the Dome. To some (like Biden) it’s still called Carrier, even though local 5G company JMA Wireless bought the rights. Now the fleet is headed north on Interstate 81.

Biden back on the move, after recording interview

As of about 6:32 p.m., the procession was getting back onto the highway. Glenn Coin reports dozens are still lining parts of the route (before turning on the highway), holding up their phones and waving. It’s dusk in Syracuse, and about 46 degrees.

Before leaving OCC, Biden taped an interview with Reshad Hudson, a Washington Correspondent with Nexstar TV, the largest local TV conglomerate in the United States, according to pool reporter Alex Gangitano. Nexstar owns or partners with 200 local broadcast stations in nearly 40 states, and reaches 68% of American households.

Heading back to Syracuse airport

Reporter Glenn Coin says the press is back in the motorcade, waiting to roll.

CNN zeroes in on this Biden message: Republicans are a threat

The 24-hour news network summed up the president’s remarks like this:

“The event served as a real-time demonstration of a cold political reality,” CNN correspondents Kevin Liptak, Phil Mattingly and Nikki Carvajal wrote. “Despite shepherding one of the fastest economic recoveries in modern history, and securing four major cornerstone legislative wins tied to his economic agenda, economic discontent, particularly over high inflation, is still imperiling Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.”

A key quote in their story:

“Then they’re coming after Social Security,” Biden added. “They’re going to shut down the government, refuse to pay America’s bills for the first time in American history to put America in default … unless we yield to their demands to cut Social Security and Medicare.”

And here’s how The Hill covered the day:

After the speech: Meeting the Walshes

Biden is working the room, and he stopped to talk for about two minutes with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and family, including his wife and younger daughter.

Walsh is in his second term. His father, a Republican, was a long-time congressman from the Syracuse area. Walsh is not enrolled in a party but openly declared his support for Biden in 2020. (Former Rep. James Walsh did the same.)

A hot mic moment at Syracuse airport

When Biden landed earlier today, a microphone caught this analysis from Sen. Charles Schumer, who was speaking to Biden, about how the Democrats are doing before the midterms. Schumer started with a mention of the debate between Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz, who are running for U.S. Senate. Fetterman suffered a stroke five months ago and struggled at times to use the right words.

Biden’s last words

At about 5:30 p.m., the president thanks the audience -- some who came before noon -- for being patient. “But there’s a lot to be exited about,” he said.

It’s a big day for Central New York, and a big day for the United States, he said.

‘Humbling and profound honor’

That’s how the CEO of Micron Technology, Sanjay Mehrotra, described speaking after the president and leaders of New York.

Mehrotra got more applause than Biden.

He also got warm laughs after reaching in his pocket and having trouble retrieving a tiny computer chip, that’s smaller and thinner than his thumbnail. Those chips power computer devices, from weapons systems to vehicles to phones. They store memory, he said.

“We are the clear and technology leader in memory,” he said, “and we are now bringing that leadership in technology and manufacturing excellence right here to Clay, New York.”

Summing up Biden’s remarks: ‘the future is made in America’

President Biden visits Central NY

President Joe Biden highlights details of Micron’s promised $100 billion investment in a microchip plant in Clay during a visit to Onondaga Community College. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Kevin Tampone writes: President Joe Biden spoke Thursday in Syracuse to celebrate Micron Technology’s plans to build massive computer chip plants in Clay and make the case ahead of the midterm elections that his administration’s policies are a big reason why Onondaga County landed the project.

Micron’s plans for the Syracuse area are a historic win, Biden said during his speech, which took place at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena.

READ MORE: Syracuse area poised to ‘lead the world’ in advanced manufacturing, Biden says in OCC speech

Biden introduces Hochul, who’s on the ballot in 12 days

The president sticks around to introduce Hochul, who faces an increasing challenge from Republican Lee Zeldin.

“How do you spell hope in New York? It’s M-I-C-R-O-N,” Hochul says, asking all Micron workers in the crowd to stand to applause.

Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1 in New York. But Hochul is the first Upstate governor in a century. She was sworn in after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in his third term amid accusations of sexual harassment. And some recent polls are showing Zeldin closing in within single digits.

Instead of mentioning the election or her opponent, she spoke about helping to bring Micron to Central New York. “I’m getting calls from companies all over the country,” she said. “This isn’t Chips Corridor. It’s Chips Country.”

More sports talk

As an alum, Biden shouted out Syracuse University in his speech and noted Gov. Kathy Hochul also graduated there. Sen. Charles Schumer also gave a plug to the newly named JMA Wireless Dome, where, he notes, the ‘Cuse face Notre Dame this weekend.

It’s worth noting OCC has a tremendous sports history of their own: It’s men’s lacrosse team has won 12 national championships since 2006.

Biden ends saying he’s hopeful for America’s future

“We are the United States of America,” he says, garnering applause and adding that the U.S. is the only nation in the world who comes out of challenges better than before.

To Biden, it’s still the Carrier Dome.

The president did not even mention the Dome’s new name, the JMA Wireless Dome.

Biden’s shout out to John Katko

Rep John Katko, R-Camillus, was one a few Republicans who voted for the CHIPS Act, the federal incentive package that created $52 billion of largess for companies like Micron to build computer chips in the U.S. Micron officials have said that bill was critical to their move to Clay.

Katko is not running for re-election. The open seat is tightly contested between Democrat Francis Conole and Republican Brandon Williams.

Katko rode from Washington to Syracuse on Air Force One today with Biden.

Invoking Trump without saying his name

AP’s Seung Min Kim says the president is calling out policies of former President Donald Trump, more so than usual.

Biden notes that during the former administration, infrastructure week became a joke. “On my watch, we turned infrastructure week into a decade,” Biden says.

Biden hits hard on ‘Made in America’

The president is hammering hard on economic trends, highlighting 3.5% national unemployment and saying the average cost of gas per gallon has dropped $1.25 a gallon since the height in recent months.

He’s laying out a national argument for supporting Democrats, who could lose control of Congress in the Nov. 8 elections.

Rep. Adam Schiff in the house

Schiff is a Democrat from California who heads the House Select Committee on Intelligence. Biden said he came to speak to Schumer. Schiff is also in town for a fundraiser for Francis Conole, who’s running for the Syracuse-area congressional seat, which is open.

“Hello, Syracuse!”

Biden takes the stage and thanks Shawni for the introduction and representing the IBEW.

Starts by recognizing his friends and family from the Syracuse area, including the Hunter family, his brother-in-laws and other relatives. Biden married Neilia Hunter and the two lived in Syracuse while the president attended law school. She and their daughter were killed in a vehicle accident before he was sworn in for his first term as a U.S. Senator.

“It’s like coming home,” Biden says.

Meet Shawni Davis, the woman introducing the president of the United States

Shawni Davis of Luminary Electrical

Shawni Davis is the founder and CEO of Luminary Electrical. In April 2022, she was a recipient of a "2022 Champions of Diversity Award" from the YWCA of Syracuse & Onondaga County Inc.Courtesy of Tonya Graham-Davis

Davis got her start as an electrician. “I loved it,” she said of her first experiences working in Florida. Her father encouraged her to join the union: IBEW Local 43.

She used borrowed tools to learn. Now she’s the first Black woman master electrician in the region. She also owns her own business: Luminary Electrical Contractor, LLC

“We are here and we are ready,” she says, to light up Central New York.

“This plant means hope,” she said, with good-paying, union jobs for generations to come, she add.

We interviewed her last year. Learn more about her journey.

Marnie Eisenstadt wrote about her historic moment today.

4:15 p.m.

It’s started:

Update: Two-ish minute countdown

White House pool reporters say show begins in two minutes, per syracuse.com Washington reporter Mark Weiner.

Reporter Glenn Coin is trying to figure out what the delay is about.

‘Let’s Go Orange’

As everyone wait for Biden (who is more than 20 minutes late to get to the podium), the crowd at OCC breaks into a “Let’s Go Orange!” chant. Honestly, that could work.

Waiting, waiting

We’re all waiting for the president to speak. Stay tuned, just a matter of minutes.

Incentives tied to jobs

Micron is in line to get at least $9 billion in tax breaks and other government help in return for creating as many as 9,000 jobs in Clay. Those incentives come with requirements, Sen. Charles Schumer says:

Meet Micron’s first hire in Clay

It’s Savion Pollard, a Syracuse University student and Navy veteran. He’s from Queens, N.Y., and a volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sister. You can learn more about him from SU’s interview with him in a student spotlight.

Biden to speak soon

The presidential seal is on the lectern.

How to watch: Biden to speak at OCC near Syracuse

Photos from Biden’s visit to Syracuse, updated

Invitation-only event includes students: ‘It’s mad random’

From syracuse.com reporters Jules Struck and Steve Featherstone: Sophomore MJ Thomas took up the offer to attend when he got an email from OCC. He was surprised that Biden would show up to this campus, he said.

“It’s mad random,” said Thomas. He’s more interested in Biden’s stance on student loans and stimulus checks than Micron, he said, but still, “I just wanted to see him.”

READ MORE: What people waiting at OCC want to hear from Biden

Has Biden already given the quote of the day before taking the stage?

Biden getting a look at Micron’s plans

The president is touring an area of the arena that Micron set up to explain its manufacturing and its plans for Clay, N.Y. He’s looking at a model of what Micron says it will build in the White Pine Commerce Park.

Biden arrives at OCC

The motorcade has arrived on campus, Glenn Coin reports.

Presidential football trivia

What weighs 45 pounds, stays beside the president 24/7 and, um, can authorize 1,744 nuclear strikes? You guessed it.

People waiting to wave at Biden

The speeches at OCC are underway

As Biden inches closer to campus, local leaders and Micron executives are taking the stage to talk about workforce development and the company’s future here.

Biden off Interstate 481

The president is starting to hit surface streets, headed up Onondaga Hill to the OCC campus, Glenn Coin reports.

Schumer is wearing orange socks (again)

This will surprise no one, but Sen. Charles Schumer (a key figure in wooing Micron to Central New York) is wearing Syracuse University orange socks and showing them off to Biden.

Syracuse University chancellor speaks

As Biden makes his was to OCC, SU Chancellor Kent Syverud is speaking to the standing room only crowd at OCC, Marnie Eisenstadt reports.

People lining road toward OCC

A couple dozen people (and two dogs) are waiting on Onondaga Road to see the motorcade.

Haudenosaunee leader waiting to meet Biden

Biden leaves Syracuse airport

The presidential motorcade is on the road.

As Micron and Biden arrive in Syracuse, chip market slumps, for now

Before Biden’s CHIPS Act victory lap in Syracuse today, The New York Times took a look at the computer chip market overall.

Times’ Don Clark writes that while computer chips (especially ones like Micron makes) were in huge demand during the early part of the pandemic, that pace has slowed dramatically. At the same time, he notes that companies like Micron plan medium- and long-term, especially since it takes years to get a chip fab built, staffed and churning out chips.

The crowd is gathering at OCC

Hundreds are waiting at OCC’s SRC Arena, the community college’s indoor sporting arena (that also includes a local YMCA).

President Biden visits Central NY

A large crowd gathers at Onondaga Community College for President Biden Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Biden is visiting Central New York to highlight Micron Technology’s plans to spend $100 billion building four giant computer chip plants in Clay. He's the first president to visit OCC in the school’s 61-year history. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

Biden deplanes

Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are waiting to welcome Biden. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh is also at the airport.

READ MORE: Biden lands at Syracuse airport to highlight Micron investments in Central New York

Shortly after 2 p.m.

Roads near Onondaga Community College are closed, including West Seneca Turnpike that leads to the college’s main entrance.

1:59 p.m.

Air Force One has landed, according to syracuse.com reporter Doug Dowty who is at the airport.

Photos of Biden’s visit so far

We’re already pulling together photos of the day’s events, from the airport and Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena. Will update throughout the day.

More than Micron

Biden’s stop in Syracuse today is about more than highlighting Micron’s pledge to invest up to $100 billion and create as many as 9,000 jobs at a new Central New York chip fab.

It’s part of a two-day trip to New York and Pennsylvania to rally voters for the Nov. 8 elections, according to the AP’s Seung Min Kim.

Kim writes: “Publicly, the White House and senior Democratic leaders express optimism that they’ll defy traditional midterm headwinds and retain control of Congress. But in private, there is angst that the House will be lost to Republicans and that control of the Senate is a coin flip.”

Biden and Syracuse

The president went to law school at Syracuse University and met his first wife here. They lived as newlyweds in the Strathmore neighborhood -- which is not far from Onondaga Community College where he’ll speak this afternoon. Here’s a look at Biden’s Syracuse ties:

15 minutes late

Looks like Biden’s arrival to Syracuse is running 15 minutes late. Arrival time is now 2:05 p.m.

Motorcade warms up

The presidential motorcade is ready at Syracuse Hancock airport. Glenn Coin and Dennis Nett, syracuse.com journalists, will be in Biden’s motorcade to and from the airport.

1:28 p.m.

Traffic is backing up in Syracuse in anticipation of Biden’s arrival.

Traffic has backed up on Interstate 690 between I-81 and West street in downtown Syracuse this afternoon as the city prepares for President Biden’s arrival, syracuse.com reporter Rylee Kirk reports.

Just after 1 p.m., police officers were stationed at ramps along downtown highways for when the president makes the trip from the airport to Onondaga Community College. Outside the city, officers are stationed along side roads.

State police cars also are parked along Interstate 81 south.

Just before 1 p.m.:

READ MORE:

A timeline of Biden’s visit to Syracuse to celebrate Micron project

Syracuse area poised to ‘lead the world’ in advanced manufacturing, Biden says in OCC speech

Biden en route to OCC in Syracuse, where attendees want to know what he’ll say about Micron

Shawni Davis, Henninger graduate, electrician, introduces the president

Watch the president’s speech

Micron pledges to donate millions to YMCA, STEAM school, lenders in Black community, science center

Biden to make first visit to Syracuse as president today to celebrate Micron’s megafab plans

Micron’s jobs: Tech giant would need engineers -- and an army of HVAC, assembly and machine workers

Syracuse.com’s comprehensive coverage of the Micron project

The following syracuse.com staff contributed to this story and today’s coverage: Chris Baker, Chris Carlson, Glenn Coin, Doug Dowty, Marnie Eisenstadt, Steve Featherstone, Anne Hayes, Rylee Kirk, Rick Moriarty, Dennis Nett, Scott Schild, Jules Struck, Kevin Tampone, Scott Trimble and Mark Weiner.

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