Biden seizes the day to make headway in the polls
Joe Biden hopes to capitalise on Donald Trump being stuck in court as he hits the US presidential election campaign trail – and can’t resist poking fun at his rival’s predicament.
While Mr Trump was at his historic hush money trial this week, Mr Biden embarked on a three-day swing through his birthplace, the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania.
He visited his childhood home and campaigned with the Kennedys, as Mr Trump complained about being in a “freezing” New York courtroom unable to campaign.
“Under my predecessor – who’s busy right now – Pennsylvania lost 275,000 jobs,” the 81-year-old Mr Biden said in reference to his rival’s situation, while his audience at a steelworkers’ union laughed.
It was the first time Mr Biden had publicly acknowledged Mr
Trump’s criminal trial since it began on Monday.
“Let’s call it the Trump’s in the courtroom, Biden’s in Pennsylvania strategy,” former White House communications director Kate Bedingfield said.
The Democrat has previously appeared keen to avoid the appearance of tipping the scales of justice, knowing it could give Mr Trump ammunition for claims he’s the victim of a Biden-led witch-hunt.
The White House said he was not following the trial, adding that his “focus is on the American people”. But Mr Biden’s reference to it came amid clear counterprogramming as Mr Trump spends four days a week in court.
His trial also comes as polls have shown support for the Democrat gradually rising since a fiery State of the Union speech in March, with the pair now level in public opinion.
Mr Biden has focused on attacking Mr Trump on vulnerable issues such as abortion, while believing his own economic message is working.
Yet Mr Trump still leads Mr Biden in several battleground states in recent polls, meaning the President’s campaign needs to seize the moment.
Mr Biden is also taking the fight to Mr Trump’s backyard. On Tuesday, the President will travel to Tampa, Florida.