Biden and Trump Trade Jabs at Presidential Debate, Eye Battleground States

Andre Johnston
June 28, 2024 12:03pm
176

President Biden and former President Trump clashed over the economy and other issues at the CNN Presidential Debate Thursday night. Both candidates are now headed to battleground states as they aim to flip them in the November election.

President Biden and former President Trump traded jabs over their economic agendas during the CNN Presidential Debate Thursday night. Biden accused Trump of "decimating" the economy, while Trump attacked Biden's policies as "disastrous."

Following the debate, both candidates are now headed to battleground states where they hope to flip the vote in their favor. Biden is headed to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he lost to Trump by a razor-thin margin in 2020. Trump is rallying in Virginia, which he lost by 10 points four years ago.

Biden and Trump Trade Jabs at Presidential Debate, Eye Battleground States

Polling in Virginia indicates a close contest between Biden and Trump. A Fox News poll conducted June 1-4 indicated that both candidates have 48% support in a head-to-head match.

Trump's campaign has identified Virginia as a key state to flip, and is reportedly planning to open 11 offices there. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia agrees that the state is in play and will join Trump at Friday's rally.

Biden and Trump Trade Jabs at Presidential Debate, Eye Battleground States

Biden is hoping to become the first Democrat since former President Obama in 2008 to carry North Carolina. He lost the state by just 74,000 votes four years ago. The latest polls in the state indicate Trump with a mid-single digit advantage.

Biden has beefed up his campaign's footprint in North Carolina and flooded the airwaves with ads. He will be making his fourth stop in the state this year when he visits Raleigh on Friday.

Biden and Trump Trade Jabs at Presidential Debate, Eye Battleground States

Michael Bitzer, chair of the politics department at Catawba College, said that Biden's campaign sees an opportunity in North Carolina, but that they will need to invest in ground operations to make it happen.

The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a close one, and the battleground states will play a key role in determining the outcome. Biden and Trump are both hoping to flip key states in their favor and secure the presidency.