WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden and presumptive White House challenger Donald Trump engaged in a fiery exchange of words during rallies in Georgia on Saturday, focusing on age and immigration as they sought to sway voters in the pivotal battleground state.
Biden, buoyed by the energy from his recent State of the Union address, made a strategic move to Atlanta to energize Black and Hispanic voters. He took aim at his Republican predecessor, accusing him of harboring dictatorial aspirations.
Speaking at a rally, Biden emphasized America’s economic resilience while pledging to address pressing issues such as housing, healthcare, and education costs. However, he faced scrutiny for his choice of words regarding a recent crime incident in Georgia, expressing regret for using the term “illegal” instead of “undocumented.”
Meanwhile, Trump, rallying his supporters in Georgia’s northwestern region, seized on Biden’s remarks and intensified his rhetoric on immigration. He blamed Biden’s policies for the death of a student, insinuating that stricter border controls could have prevented the tragedy.
Trump also took jabs at Biden’s age, mimicking his speech and portraying him as unfit for office. In response, Biden’s campaign launched a television ad addressing concerns about his age, emphasizing his ability to deliver results for the American people despite his senior status.
The rallies underscored Georgia’s significance in the upcoming election, with both candidates vying for victory in a state that was narrowly won by Biden in 2020. Trump’s legal challenges over election results in Georgia add further complexity to the electoral landscape.
As the campaigns intensify, Georgia remains a closely contested battleground, with recent polls showing Trump holding a slight advantage. Both candidates are deploying substantial resources in the state and other key swing states to secure victory in November.
