Former President Donald Trump’s general election campaign is unlike any other in American history. From selling Bibles to attacking judges, making billions in the stock market, and boasting about his golf game, Trump’s campaign activities are far from conventional. This week, he traveled to New York to attend a fallen police officer’s wake, using the opportunity to further his narrative of a nation in chaos under President Joe Biden.
In stark contrast, Biden wrapped up his post-State of the Union tour in North Carolina this week, a state that Trump won in 2020 and 2016. The president showcased Democratic unity at a New York event with ex-Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, raising over $25 million for the campaign.
Trump’s strategy appears to be a blend of his legal defense in multiple cases, where he claims to be a victim of political persecution, and a series of photo ops to garner attention. This week, he attended a wake for a fallen police officer on Long Island, using the occasion to push his law and order narrative.
Despite his unconventional approach, Trump’s campaign has shown more professionalism this year than during his 2016 bid for the presidency. However, it remains to be seen whether his campaign’s behind-the-scenes work in key states will pave the way for a successful return to the White House.
Meanwhile, Biden has been campaigning in a way that underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election. His swing state tour following his State of the Union address included the unveiling of a massive investment in an Intel chip processing plant in Arizona and the launch of a new healthcare initiative in North Carolina.
However, Biden’s campaign has not been without its challenges. Despite his policy wins, many voters feel they are not reaping the benefits of the rebounding economy. Furthermore, Biden’s support for Israel and its war against Hamas has sparked protests, potentially affecting turnout among progressive voters and Arab Americans in key battleground states.
As the election approaches, the contrast between Trump’s unconventional campaign strategy and Biden’s traditional approach continues to be a key point of interest in American politics.
Contributors: MJ Lee and Donald Judd, CNN