Three presidents, one state as the U.S. midterms fast approach

Three presidents in one state as America braces for a red wave

It’s not everyday you see three current and former U.S. presidents touch down in the same state for election rallies, but that’s exactly what happened at the weekend.

Arguably the biggest stars of the Democratic and Republican parties – former presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as sitting President Joe Biden, all toured to Pennsylvania in a bid to do their part for the race between Democrat John Fetterman and Republican celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz.

With polling day just days away, Obama is warning about divisions fuelling a “dangerous climate” in the U.S., saying “sulking and moping is not an option”. The former president believes the only way to save democracy is if his party fights for it.

“On Tuesday, let’s make sure our country doesn’t get set back 50 years. The only way to save democracy is if we, together, fight for it.”

The Democrats argue their opponents will pursue an extreme agenda on issues including abortion, voting rights and Social Security benefits. Biden warns democracy is literally on the ballot.

“Your right to choose is on the ballot,” Biden said. “Your right to vote is on the ballot.  Social Security and Medicare is on the ballot. There’s something else on the ballot: character. Character is on the ballot.”

But data shows voters are more concerned with the state of the economy and crime rates.

Republicans have been gaining nationwide in the last few days of campaigning, with many polls now suggesting the party will seize control of both the House and the Senate.

This would push Capitol Hill into a standstill and signal the beginning of the end for the Biden administration’s agenda.

Trump all but announces his 20224 Presidential bid

Also speaking in Pennsylvania, Donald Trump continued with his allegations of fraud at the 2020 election, and claims Biden is running the nation’s the economy into the ground.

He took aim at the administration’s failure to stem crime, inflation and the immigration crisis.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks at a pre-election rally to support Republican candidates in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 5, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Segar

During his praise for Doctor Oz, Trump also made fun of current Florida governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis is of course Trump’s nearest rival for the presidential nomination and it’s expected Trump will announce his intention to run any day now.

“This is the year we’re going to take back the House. We’re going to take back the Senate. And we’re going to take back America. We’re going to take it back,” Mr Trump told 6000 supporters.

“And in 2024, most importantly, we are going to take back our magnificent, oh-so beautiful White House.”

The head-to-head rallies are some of the final campaign events as polling day quickly approaches.

Democrats are bracing for a red wave, with the national mood shifting considerably since the last time Americans were at the ballot box.