In a speech to Michigan supporters in Lansing, former Vice President Joe Biden stressed that the words of both those in power and ordinary citizens matter - and that staying silent isn't an option on Election Day.

Speaking to a crowd at Lansing Community College Thursday, Biden - who spoke softly for the majority of his speech due to laryngitis - sought to make the case for Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, in the 8th Congressional District, and other Michigan Democrats.

Doing so would help the country get back to American ideals, he said.

"Together we can do anything and we can take it all back," he said. "So get the hell up, go out and vote."

In his often-somber speech, Biden called to the crowd's attention the recent shootings at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, and said something needs to change.

"It's on our leaders to set the tone, to dial the temperature down, to restore some dignity," Biden said. "With all due respect, we have to recognize that how we treat one another as individuals also matters...Each one of us has the power to change the tone."

Biden said as he's continued to tour the country, he's noticed people in both parties are seeking people who are authentic, tell the truth and treat people with dignity and respect as candidates, qualities he said Slotkin and other Michigan candidates possess.

He said political opponents and the press aren't the enemy, adding, "before you're a Democrat, Independent or Republican, you're an American."

Biden expressed frustration with Republicans currently in power, arguing Republicans have put redrawing political districts, high spending and supporting President Donald Trump over the needs of citizens.

"This is not your father's Republican party," he said.

About 1,100 supporters were let into the main rally, although organizers estimate another 1,200 were watching via livestream in an overflow area.

Slotkin used the Biden rally as an opportunity to make her pitch as a new type of leader who thinks bigger, works harder and would never forget her role as a public servant if elected.

She drew cheers from the crowd when she said she would open an office in Lansing, and said she wasn't scared off by attack ads currently running against her in the 8th.

"You and your attack ads do not scare me," Slotkin said, addressing Bishop. "Those attack ads do nothing for the people that you represent."

Also featured at the rally were U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer, lieutenant governor nominee Garlin Gilchrist II and other state and local candidates.

Ahead of Biden's speech, Stabenow told the crowd: "Who we are as Americans is on the ballot, and it's time to take our country back."

Stabenow said she takes the 8th Congressional election personally, as she once served in the district before running for the Senate. She expressed frustration with how the district's shape has changed under Republican control, but said that wouldn't matter this year.

Republicans "can change all the rules they want - Elissa Slotkin is going to be the next Congresswoman," Stabenow said.

Outside the rally, supporters of Bishop stood around a "pallet of cash" meant to symbolize Slotkin's support of giving funds to Iran. Slotkin dismissed the demonstration as a "gimmick."

.⁦⁦@ElissaSlotkin⁩ supported giving $150 billion to Iran, the world’s largest sponsor of terror. Her pallet of cash was in Lansing tonight #mi08 #forslotkinitspartybeforecountry #alwaysalways pic.twitter.com/oNQVGH4p3e — stusandler (@stusandler) November 1, 2018

Biden - who was last in Michigan in September on Whitmer's behalf - is one of several high-profile party leaders to visit the state to campaign for candidates in recent weeks.

Also on Thursday, Kellyanne Conway, counselor to Trump, was originally scheduled to come to Michigan to rally with prominent Republican candidates, but canceled due to a plane malfunction.

Other visitors have included Vice President Mike Pence, former President Barack Obama, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump Jr. and Lara Trump.

Currently, Trump is not scheduled to visit Michigan ahead of the Nov. 6 election.

Watch a recording of the Biden rally below: