President Joe Biden is set to launch his 2024 reelection campaign from two historic sites in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. The campaign will focus on the protection of democracy and personal freedoms, as Biden potentially prepares for a rematch with former President Donald Trump.
This marks Biden’s first public campaign appearances of 2024, following a year primarily spent on official White House events and private political fundraisers. The campaign is eager to draw a contrast with Trump, who they view as the likely Republican nominee.
Historic Locations
On the third anniversary of the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol, Biden will travel to Pennsylvania to deliver a speech near Valley Forge, a historic Revolutionary War site. Quentin Fulks, the Biden-Harris deputy campaign manager, stated that the president will emphasize the importance of democracy and freedom, ideas that have united the nation for centuries.
Biden will then travel to Charleston, South Carolina, to speak at Mother Emanuel AME Church, a historically Black church where nine people were killed in a 2015 shooting. The campaign aims to highlight the rise in political violence and America’s determination to stand against it.
Vice President Harris’ Role
Vice President Kamala Harris will also make a trip to South Carolina, delivering remarks at the 7th Episcopal District AME Church Women’s Missionary Society annual retreat in Myrtle Beach. Later this month, Harris will commemorate the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade by launching a reproductive freedoms tour in Wisconsin.
Scaling Up Campaign Operations
The Biden campaign is expected to increase its pace in the coming months, with plans to scale up operations, including hiring more battleground state leadership. The team also plans to launch a new advertising campaign ahead of Biden’s trip to Pennsylvania.
Addressing Skeptical Voters
As some polls have shown Biden trailing Trump in hypothetical head-to-head match-ups, the campaign is working to sway skeptical voters. Campaign officials argue that early polls are not predictive of the final outcome and that the choice facing voters will become clearer as the election approaches.
Preparing for Other GOP Nominees
While the campaign is prepared for the possibility of a different GOP nominee, they argue that the Republican field has fully embraced Trump’s approach and agenda. The campaign is also prepared to face competition from third party candidates who could potentially draw votes away from Biden.
Reaching Out to Voters
The campaign is making efforts to communicate with voters, particularly Black and Hispanic voters. Despite signs of waning support among these demographics, the campaign is committed to earning their votes through early and consistent communication and organizing efforts.