FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Former Vice President Joe Biden brushed aside a case of laryngitis to help Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp kick off a statewide tour as her race neared its end.

Biden’s first order of a business at the Fargo Air Museum Thursday was to apologize for having to whisper. He proceeded to quietly outline many problems in the country he said have been made worse by the “forces of hate” and the “lack of dignity in the national dialogue.”

Biden said there is no better example of character in public life than Heitkamp, and he urged attendees to help get out the vote in the final days before the election.

Heitkamp, who is seen as trailing in her re-election campaign against Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer, plans more than 20 stops in towns across North Dakota in a five-day trip being billed as the “Bring it Home Heidi” tour.