'It's more than a comeback:' Biden calls for party unity following big primary wins

Delaware News Journal

PHILADELPHIA — Joe Biden won the Michigan primary Tuesday, claiming the biggest prize of the night and solidifying his lead as the front runner for the Democratic nomination.

"It's more than a comeback," Biden said in Philadelphia, where he spoke after canceling his event in Cleveland, Ohio. "It's a comeback for the soul of this nation."

Six states held primaries on Tuesday, just one week after Biden's big Super Tuesday win. Biden was projected to win Missouri and Mississippi in addition to Michigan.

Leading into the Michigan primary, polls showed the former vice president dominating opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who won the state in the 2016 primary.

Biden was scheduled to speak in Cleveland Tuesday night, but shuttered the rally due to concerns related to the coronavirus. Sen. Bernie Sanders also canceled his Cleveland rally.

MORE:'They don't call it Super Tuesday for nothing': What Biden's big win means for his campaign

Instead, Biden spoke for about 10 minutes at a press conference in at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where his campaign headquarters is located. The city announced its first confirmed case Tuesday afternoon.

After losses in early primaries, Biden's trajectory changed when he won the South Carolina primary Feb. 29, launching him into a massive Super Tuesday win. He won 10 of the 14 states and caused massive upsets. His domination led to Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg dropping out of the race.

Joe Biden, with Jill Biden at his side, gives remarks at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia after his 'Big Tuesday' primary election night campaign event in Ohio was cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

READ:'I'm a good Philly girl,' Jill Biden says after blocking heckler on eve of New Hampshire primary

Biden called for unity in the party and praised Sanders and his supporters for their "tireless energy" throughout the campaign. Unlike Biden, the Vermont senator did not speak Tuesday night. The former vice president was joined by his wife Jill Biden, who did not have to play personal bodyguard Tuesday night.

"Tonight," Biden said, "we are a step closer to restoring decency, dignity and honor in the White House."

MORE:Total coverage of Tuesday's big primary night

Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 324-2386 or at mnewman@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @merenewman.