Vice President Joe Biden visited his hometown in Pennsylvania which is a key battleground state in the DECISION 2012 presidential election campaign.
Biden stressed to a crowd in Scranton, awaiting a Fourth of July fireworks show, his deep roots in the state.
The vice president regaled hundreds watching in camp chairs and blankets with childhood stories. Then he called the blue-collar, northeastern Pennsylvania city of Scranton the "grit, sinew and soul of what freedom is all about."
He was serenaded by cheers, and the occasional cries of `"We love you, Joe!" from the crowd.
Pennsylvania hasn't gone Republican since backing George H.W. Bush in 1988. In 2012 it is seen as competitive again in the race between Biden's boss, President Barack Obama, and presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney.
Obama's campaign bus tour will make a stop in Pittsburgh on Friday.
