PORTAGE, Mich. (WXYZ) — For the first time as President, Joe Biden made a stop in Michigan, visiting the Pfizer manufacturing site in Portage.
Along with heightened security, came lots of excitement. By the time Air Force One touched ground a crowd had lined the street outside Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek International Airport to get a glimpse of the motorcade.
"This is really cool," said Amanda Iasci from Portage. "Getting to see this is awesome.”
Iasci brought along her 2 young children, hoping to show them first hand what their small town is doing for the country.
“We’ve been trying to explain how big of an impact Portage has had and Pfizer and what they’re doing, and for them to really get to see it is a little different than us just telling them about it,” Iasci said.
Meanwhile, others like Sam Garceau are out here in protest. No sign, no bullhorn, just a red hat.
“I just don't believe he should be President. He’s not my President,” Garceau said. "He's bringing 2 planes out. How much is that costing the taxpayers?"
The President made his visit to Michigan to tour Pfizer’s Portage manufacturing site, their largest in the world. President Biden spent the day meeting with workers and getting an up-close look at the process.
“I came here because I want the American people to understand the extraordinary, extraordinary work that’s being done,” President Biden said during his tour.
The plant is one of three producing vaccines in the U.S., something the town and its people are quick to point out.
“We’re proud of our town, we’re proud of Pfizer," Garceau said. "I hope we can get more vaccine out there.”
Whether here in protest or support of the President, all are here to show their pride, in Portage.
“Once in a lifetime opportunity," Iasci said. "We’re really proud of Portage and wanted to come here and celebrate with everybody.”