LARGO, Md. — Thousands of Maryland’s voters stood in lines, weathering the heat, hoping to hear from the president and vice president Thursday. But due to capacity issues, hundreds had to be turned away.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made their first appearance together since Biden ended his reelection bid. Biden and Harris visited Prince George's County Community College to discuss the work they are doing to lower prescription drug costs for the American people.
"We were happy to be in line," said a new D.C. resident, Janelle Copeland. "It’s hot out here. People gave up their work day. But I think it’s a good sign of the turnout and support.”
Inside the venue, enthusiasm was high as Maryland’s leaders -- including Gov. Wes Moore -- welcomed Harris and Biden to the stage, and the pair restated their support for U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks.
"I’ve worked with her over the years and I’m telling you, Maryland, you’re gonna do a great thing when you send her to the United States Senate," Harris said of Alsobrooks.
According to the White House, the visit was not a campaign stop. It is considered a White House event. However, much of the event felt like the two were campaigning.
Federal officials have solidified deals to lower the price for 10 of Medicare’s most expensive drugs. Details are still limited, but White House officials say they expect tax payers to save $6 billion with these new prices.
"Medicare represents more than 65 million people, and so Medicare has collective bargaining power," Harris said. "And so now Medicare can use that bargaining power to go toe-to-toe with Big Pharma and negotiate lower drug prices."
Officials say this will have a huge impact for older Americans managing diabetes, blood cancers, and preventing heart failure. The administration shared no information as to how they arrived at the figures. The drugs include the blood thinners Xarelto and Eliquis and diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia. Medicare spent $50 billion covering the drugs last year.
While attendees said they appreciated the work that been done so far, they hope Harris won’t stop there.
"We’ve reached historic heights in American debt, and so how do we plan to resolve that," Bowie resident John Wood asked. "How do we plan to resolve that, and help people live day-to-day?”
Education funding, reproductive rights and environmental protections were also voiced as voter priorities.
The last time Vice President Harris was in Prince George's County was in early June on National Gun Violence Day.
WATCH: Full Biden, Harris visit to Prince George's County