Biden Event in Providence Draws Mixed Reviews

Biden Event in Providence Draws Mixed Reviews

It was the tale of two events -- those fortunate enough to get the meet-and-greet with former Vice President Joe Biden's appearance in Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon and access to the small ballroom space; and those who could not.

Biden was at the Rhode Island Convention Center as part of "Rally for Rhode Island Democrats" along with top Democratic elected officials. 

"We signed up for the Biden event at the Providence Convention Center. Paid $15 for parking. Got here early only to find the in crowd in a tiny walled off room. The rest of us can watch it on a TV screen. This is a bad start," wrote Bruce McIntyre on Facebook.

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McIntyre posted pics of what appeared to be only a portion of a ballroom at the Convention Center walled off for the event; another picture showed the overflow space in the expansive atrium area where several dozen people were seen walking around. 

Biden presented in a portion of the main hall. The room was cordoned off to make the room full -- an estimated crowd of 500 were in the subdivided room.

"The great Joe Biden addresses overflow crowd of switched-on Rhode Islanders," said Whitehouse for Senate's campaign Twitter account.

"It was great. I met him but did not stay for the rally," said State Representative Julie Casimiro. 

The event offered a number of price points and corresponding goodie:

Yes, I will attend the event on September 30 as an event chair and will contribute/raise $5,000 ________  

(Includes photo, two tickets to the VIP section of the rally, and two tickets to the pre-rally reception with the RI federal delegation and Governor Gina Raimondo)

Yes, I will attend the event on September 30 as a co-host and will contribute $2,500________

(Includes two tickets to the VIP section and two tickets to the pre-rally reception with the RI federal delegation and Governor Gina Raimondo)