Formerly a stronghold of ex-President Donald Trump, the Palm Beach region witnessed a change of scene on Tuesday as President Joe Biden’s motorcade made its way through the affluent South Florida enclave. The visit is part of Biden’s strategy to bolster his campaign funds for the upcoming election and possibly secure Florida’s electorate in November.
Addressing donors in Jupiter, Florida, where Trump owns a golf course, Biden criticized his predecessor, calling him a “loser”. He urged Democrats to prevent Trump from reclaiming the presidency, crediting them for Trump’s previous defeat. “You’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated president,” Biden said. “And you’re the reason we are going to make him a loser again.”
Although Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate has become the unofficial hub of national Republican politics, Biden’s visit to Florida signals his intent to make the state a competitive battleground in the general election. Despite losing Florida in the 2020 election, Biden’s campaign sees it as a potential pickup opportunity.
While Biden is busy fundraising, Republican megadonors are also gathering in Palm Beach this week to discuss future donations with aides to Trump and Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who remains in the GOP race.
Biden’s campaign acknowledges that winning Florida will be a challenge, but they are investing resources and testing messages in preparation for the general election. The president expressed optimism about a Democratic victory in Florida, stating, “Here in Florida, we have to organize, mobilize the vote. I think we can win Florida. I think the Democrats can win in Florida.”
Despite the uphill battle, there are signs that the campaign could shift in Biden’s favor, including initiatives on the state’s 2024 ballot. Biden appealed to Florida’s senior population on healthcare, a topic that could be a focal point of his campaign messaging in the coming months.
Recent victories for Democrats in Florida, including a state House race and the mayoral election in Jacksonville, have given the party renewed hope. The 2024 ballot could also include referendums to legalize recreational marijuana and expand abortion access, which could potentially boost left-leaning voter turnout.
Despite the challenges, Biden’s campaign fundraising has been a bright spot for Democrats. The president raised over $97 million for his presidential campaign and the Democratic Party in the last fundraising quarter of 2023, ending the year with $117 million in his campaign war chest.
Looking ahead, Biden’s campaign is planning to tap into additional Democratic cash through a fundraiser featuring former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. They are also closely watching Haley’s donors, believing they could have an opportunity to attract contributors who are concerned about a potential second term for Trump.