Former President Donald J. Trump is set to hit the campaign trail today, focusing on immigration and border policy in key battleground states of Michigan and Wisconsin. As President Biden and Democrats shift their focus to abortion following recent court rulings in Florida, Mr. Trump is looking to keep the spotlight on the border.
In Florida, the State Supreme Court overturned precedent on abortion rights, allowing a six-week ban to take effect while also approving a ballot measure to guarantee abortion rights until fetal viability. This decision is expected to impact voter turnout and potentially give Democrats a fighting chance in a state that has leaned Republican.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin is holding presidential primaries today, with voters also deciding on ballot measures proposed by the state’s Republican-led Legislature to restrict private funding and staffing of election offices. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York are also holding primaries, although the outcomes are not in doubt as both Mr. Trump and President Biden have already secured their nominations.
Despite their nominations being secure, there is still some resistance within their respective parties. Former candidate Nikki Haley garnered significant support in the Arizona primary against Mr. Trump, while a small percentage of Democratic voters have chosen to vote against Mr. Biden in the primaries so far.
Mr. Trump’s visit to Michigan and Wisconsin comes after a weaker-than-expected performance in the Michigan primary against Ms. Haley. Activists in several states are urging voters to cast protest votes in the primaries to show disapproval of Mr. Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza. Mr. Biden has made efforts to mend the rift within the Democratic Party on this issue, but some voters remain unsatisfied.
As the campaign trail heats up, both candidates are facing challenges within their own parties. Mr. Trump continues to criticize Mr. Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza, while offering little insight into what he would do differently. The upcoming primaries will provide further insight into the mood of voters in these crucial battleground states.
