United States – The White House announced that Vice President Joe Biden has postponed his scheduled campaign visits to support Vice President Kamala Harris’ Democratic presidential bid next week. The delay comes in light of Hurricane Helene and ongoing crisis management.
Key Swing States on the Agenda
White House officials said that Biden would now travel to Milwaukee in Wisconsin on Tuesday, and then to the Philadelphia area. These are key swing states in the race between Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. In Wisconsin, Biden will tout a White House event on job creation water down repair lead pipes. He will also be working to unseat Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Bob Casey, as reported by Reuters.
As the Harris campaign nears its conclusion ahead of the election on November 5, political observers are keeping a careful eye on how Biden’s presence may affect voter turnout in these hotly divided areas. Although none of these events are being funded by the Harris campaign, Biden’s attendance is seen to be essential to mobilizing support in these critical states.
Crisis Delays and Ongoing Challenges
Biden’s travel plans were initially postponed due to the response to Hurricane Helene, a significant port strike that was settled just the day before, and recent escalations in the Middle East following an Iranian attack on Israel. Advisors have stated that Biden will continue addressing these crises while on the move, balancing campaign stops with his responsibilities as Vice President.
Focus on the Economy as a Key Message to Voters
With economic concerns being a top priority for voters, Biden is expected to highlight recent positive developments, including the resolution of the port strike and the strong jobs report released on Friday. Advisors believe this focus will resonate with voters in key states where the economy remains the top issue, as reported by Reuters.