Following their CNN debate clash, President Biden and former President Trump hit the campaign trail in North Carolina and Virginia, two key states they hope to flip in the upcoming rematch.
With the first presidential debate of their 2024 election rematch behind them, President Biden and former President Trump are hitting the campaign trail hard, aiming to sway voters in crucial swing states. After facing off on stage at the CNN Presidential Debate in Atlanta, where Biden struggled with a raspy voice and delivered halting answers, the president traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, for a rally, while Trump rallied supporters in Virginia.
Four years ago, Biden narrowly lost North Carolina by just 74,000 votes. Recent polls indicate that Trump has a slight advantage in the state, but Biden is hoping to repeat the success of former President Obama in 2008, who became the first Democrat to carry North Carolina since 1980. The president has increased his campaign's presence in the state and has been running a steady stream of ads.
Post-Debate Battleground Blitz: Biden, Trump Rally in Crucial Flippable States
At his rally in Raleigh, Biden was joined by Grammy-nominated artist Fat Joe and multi-platinum musician E-40. He touted his economic agenda, highlighting the need for investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and education.
Trump, who was declared the winner of the debate by many pundits, chose Virginia as the site of his post-debate rally. He lost the state by 10 points in 2020, but recent polls suggest a closer race this time around. The former president's campaign has been investing heavily in Virginia, opening offices and hiring staff in an effort to flip the state in his favor.
Post-Debate Battleground Blitz: Biden, Trump Rally in Crucial Flippable States
At his rally at the historic Greenbriar Farms in Chesapeake, Virginia, Trump was joined by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. The governor's appearance has sparked speculation that he may be considered as Trump's running mate in 2024.
According to a Fox News poll, Biden and Trump are currently in a dead heat in Virginia, with each candidate receiving 48% support in a head-to-head matchup. In a multi-candidate race, Biden leads with 42%, followed by Trump with 41%.
Post-Debate Battleground Blitz: Biden, Trump Rally in Crucial Flippable States
The latest polls in North Carolina indicate that Trump has a mid-single digit advantage over Biden. However, the president's campaign remains optimistic about his chances of carrying the state, citing the surge of new residents since the 2020 election.
Both Biden and Trump have a lot riding on the outcome of the 2024 election. For Biden, a victory would be a confirmation of his policies and a mandate to continue working on his agenda. For Trump, a second term would give him the opportunity to reverse some of the policies of the Biden administration and enact his own priorities.
Post-Debate Battleground Blitz: Biden, Trump Rally in Crucial Flippable States
The battle for North Carolina and Virginia will be closely watched as the campaign season progresses. These two states, along with others like Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, will likely play a decisive role in determining who wins the presidency in 2024.
