As the CNN Presidential Debate approaches, both President Biden and former President Donald Trump are preparing to take the stage. Biden is prepping at Camp David, while Trump hit the campaign trail in Philadelphia. Trump expressed confidence in his ability to debate, asking the crowd at his rally at Temple University for advice on how to approach Biden on stage. Despite his preparations, Trump is not worried about Biden’s debate prep and believes he will forget it within an hour.
Trump recently visited swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, all states he won in 2016 but lost in 2020. Recent polls show Trump performing better in these states this time around, gaining support from young and nonwhite voters who are unhappy with Biden’s handling of the economy and Gaza. A Marist College Poll shows Trump leading Biden by two points in Pennsylvania, a crucial state in the election. Trump is choosing to stop in urban areas, including a cheese steak shop in South Philly, to connect with voters and share his message of hope.
At Trump’s rally in Philadelphia, voters expressed concerns about issues like the border, crime, and inflation, with one voter mentioning the impact of rising grocery prices on his family. Despite a recent Fox News Poll showing a 32% approval rating for the economy, voters still have negative sentiments when discussing economic issues. Trump has not yet announced his vice president pick, but he mentioned that he knows who he will choose and plans to reveal the decision around the time of the convention.
After the debate, both candidates plan to remain in the South, with Biden visiting North Carolina and Trump heading to a rally in Virginia. Trump expressed confidence in potentially winning Virginia, a state that Republicans have not carried in two decades. A Fox News survey of Virginia registered voters showed Trump and Biden in a dead heat, with both candidates at 48% in a head-to-head matchup. Trump is focusing on gaining support in traditionally blue states due to what he perceives as the country’s dire situation.
Overall, as both candidates prepare for the upcoming debate and continue their campaign efforts, they are focusing on connecting with voters in swing states and potentially flipping traditionally blue states in the upcoming election. Trump’s campaign strategy involves engaging with voters at rallies and sharing his message of hope, while Biden is working to maintain support and gain momentum in key battleground states. The outcome of the debate and the candidates’ performances on the campaign trail will play a significant role in shaping the election landscape moving forward.
