In the lead-up to the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are making their final preparations for the November elections. On July 13, 2024, both politicians held significant events in key battleground states.
President Biden began his day with virtual meetings with Democratic lawmakers. He met with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition to discuss campaign strategies and address concerns about his nomination. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont expressed doubts about Biden's ability to lead as the Democratic nominee but stopped short of calling for him to step aside.
Meanwhile, Trump held a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He is expected to announce his vice presidential pick at the convention on Monday and has been considering several potential running mates, including Senators Marco Rubio of Florida, JD Vance of Ohio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The Republican Party is looking for signs of Vance's attendance at Saturday's event as a potential vice presidential pick.
Biden delivered a fiery speech in Detroit and rejected calls to end his re-election campaign. He accused Trump of being a convicted criminal, a rapist, and a cheater during the campaign speeches. The allegations have not been substantiated with evidence.
Trump's rally in Pennsylvania was met with protests from Democrats who criticized his policies and actions during his presidency. Biden is expected to hold more public events in the coming days as he continues to campaign for re-election.
Despite speculation about Biden's age and health, he has insisted that he will stay in the race. Some Democrats have encouraged him to step aside, but there is no clear frontrunner among potential replacements. The Democratic Party is facing a crisis of unity as it tries to rally behind its nominee.
Trump's campaign has been marked by allegations of MAGA authoritarianism and controversial policies. He has promised to implement his MAGA agenda if elected, which includes restrictive abortion laws, border security measures, and tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. Biden's campaign focuses on issues such as healthcare reform, climate change action, and economic recovery.
The election is expected to be closely contested in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona and Georgia. Both candidates are working to secure the support of undecided voters and win over swing states.
