Former President Donald Trump is set to hold his first public campaign rally since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, leaving Trump to shift his focus towards his likely opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump's upcoming rally in North Carolina, a swing state he has previously won, underscores his efforts to secure the state's support in the upcoming election.
With Biden out of the race, Trump has intensified his criticism of Harris, labeling her as more radical than Biden and holding her accountable for what he perceives as the Biden administration's shortcomings, particularly on border security.
Trump's plans for a debate with Harris have been uncertain, with him expressing a preference for Fox News to host the debate and indicating a willingness to debate Harris more than once, but not committing to the scheduled debate.
Republicans have noted that Harris replacing Biden as the Democratic nominee alters the narrative around Trump's age and vitality, as Trump, at 78, is now the oldest nominee in the race.
North Carolina, a state Trump narrowly won in 2020, is crucial for both parties in the upcoming election. Trump's rally in Charlotte, the state's largest city, signifies his determination to secure the state's support once again.
The rally in Charlotte comes after Trump's recent event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and marks his second campaign rally since surviving an assassination attempt in July. The rally will be held indoors, following the resignation of the Secret Service director due to a security lapse at a previous outdoor event.
Both Democrats and Republicans are actively campaigning in North Carolina, with Democrats eyeing the state as a potential win despite recent GOP dominance. Harris' campaign is reportedly considering North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper as a possible vice presidential running mate.
The upcoming election in North Carolina features a competitive race to replace the term-limited Governor Cooper, with Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein facing off against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a strong Trump supporter and the state's first Black major party nominee for governor.
