President Joe Biden visited Irvine Valley College (IVC) on Friday, Oct. 14, where he spoke on the healthcare provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and expressed support for the recent wave of protests demanding justice for Iranians under oppressive government policies.
Upon Biden’s arrival at IVC, demonstrators gathered near the school campus and at surrounding intersections to protest the killing of Masha Amini and call for human rights in Iran.
According to the OC Register, Irvine Police spokesperson Kyle Oldeorp estimated that thousands of individuals gathered. Protesters held Iranian flags, signs and banners.
Congresswoman Katie Porter and regional organizer of the California Alliance for Retired Americans Susan Meyer welcomed Biden to OC and provided introductory remarks. He began by addressing the protestors and expressed support for their cause. CBS News provided live coverage of the speech; the White House also transcribed his speech.
“Before my discussion today, I know — I look over there, and I see ‘Free Iran.’ And I want you to know we stand with the citizens and brave women of Iran, for real,” Biden said. “Iran has to end the violence against its own citizens simply exercising their fundamental rights… [Mahsa Amini’s death] awakened something that I don’t think will be quieted in a long, long time. And so, I want to thank you all for speaking out.”
Groups also gathered at Irvine Valley College to protest Biden himself, showing dissatisfaction with his administration or displaying support for former President Donald Trump. Irvine resident and protestor Cecilia Garcia was interviewed by the OC Register.
“[Biden] is not welcome here. It is a mistake if he thinks Orange County is blue,” Garcia said to the Register.
For the remainder of his speech, Biden discussed the Inflation Reduction Act and lowering healthcare costs, specifically out-of-pocket costs for drugs and doctor visits. He also praised Porter for her work combating the power of large drug companies.
“For years there has been no check on how high or fast pharma can raise drug prices,” Biden said. He added that the price of drugs increased by 30% on average this year.
Biden explained that the Inflation Reduction Act requires drug companies that want to increase the price of drugs over the rate of inflation to pay the difference to Medicare. The act would also allow Medicare to negotiate the price of some medications — efforts that would lead to lower drug prices, according to Biden.
He added that the law will make vaccinations free and cap the price of insulin and out-of-pocket payments for specific individuals under Medicare. Biden touted the healthcare provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and stated that the legislation will greatly benefit seniors and vulnerable communities.
“This year, the American people won. We took on Big Pharma and we beat them finally,” Biden said regarding the passing of the law. “Despite the opposition from some of the most powerful special interests in the nation, we’re lowering healthcare costs and strengthening Medicare. And we’re fighting for folks who need our help.”
Biden ended his speech with a plea for solidarity.
“There’s nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. And that’s the God’s truth. Think about it. And the American public, over the last five years, has begun to lose hope that it’s within our power to do almost anything, but we really can. But we’ve got to stick together,” he said.
Biden’s engagement at Irvine Valley College marked the last event of his three-day Southern California tour. He started the trip in Los Angeles, arriving in the city on the afternoon of Oct. 12.
Beatrice Lee is a City News Intern for the fall 2022 quarter. She can be reached at beatrirl@uci.edu.