President Biden woos at Park City fundraiser, one eventgoer says

PARK CITY, Utah — President Joe Biden was the guest of honor at a fundraiser held in Park City Thursday, following his public remarks at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Salt Lake City.

One eventgoer tells KSL NewsRadio the event was inspiring.

“It was inspiring, uplifting and amazing,” said longtime Biden surrogate and former Democratic state lawmaker, Scott Howell.

Howell said the President spoke for around 45 minutes, talking about U.S. foreign relations, the PACT Act, democracy and how critical the chip industry is to maintain.

He estimated there were around 150 people there including multiple current and former Democratic elected officials.

JUST IN: President @JoeBiden fundraised with an estimated 150 people in Park City today.

Multiple current and former Democratic elected officials were among the attendees, according to former Democratic state Rep @ScottHowell_UT who called the event “inspiring.”@kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/aUk5wqAr9f

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) August 11, 2023

Howell listed Rep. Brian King, former Rep. Patrice Arent, former state Sen. Karen Hale and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. However, KSL NewsRadio has not independently confirmed any participation.

Howell said one of the topics President Biden touched on at the event was democracy.

“He feels that responsibility as a world leader of freedom that our democracy throughout the world is in jeopardy,” he said. 

After touching on helping those in Ukraine and his son, Bo, Howell said President Biden talked about veterans.

“He was grateful to be in Utah, where our veterans are very highly respected.”

President Biden also made mention of working with Utah’s former Gov.Gary Herbert. 

“He said he really enjoyed working with Gary Herbert, and also really liked Utah’s current Governor, Spencer Cox,” Howell said. 

The president also took some questions. But Howell said his favorite moment was as Biden was leaving. 

President Joe Biden speaks at a fundraiser at the Colony at White Pine Canyon in Park City on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. Photo credit: Lindsay Aerts, KSL NewsRadio.

As everyone clapped for him, the president reportedly walked up a set of stairs, only to stop and turn around. He then looked at the crowd and told a quick story of something his dad had always told him, to “remember to keep the faith,” Howell said. 

But Biden’s grandma would then say, “No Joey, don’t keep the faith, spread the faith.”

Then, Howell said the Biden said, “God bless you all, let’s share the faith,” before leaving.

“People were in awe, it was a very poignant moment,” Howell said.  “It’s what you want to hear from the president of the United States.”