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Donald Trump and Joe Biden ramp up campaigning in Florida, appeal to older voters

Donald Trump, Joe Biden
Posted at 3:48 PM, Oct 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-13 18:50:46-04

The presidential candidates are ramping up their campaigning in Florida.

On Tuesday, Joe Biden is holding two events in Broward County. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was in Orlando Monday and is planning another visit later this week.

It’s the final three weeks for President Trump and Joe Biden to appeal to voters in Florida. They’re making their rounds looking to sway voters in the swing state.

“We’re the biggest state and most divided politically and critically important to both candidates,” explained ABC Action News political analyst, Dr. Susan MacManus.

The candidates are keeping up steady visits to the sunshine state, targeting the older population. Older voters helped propel Trump to the White House in 2016, but it’s the issues that are driving many to the voting booth this year.

“Help us out with insurance needs. I know a lot of us are on Medicare and that’s quite important to keep,” said Salima Grannon, of Ruskin.

The candidates are spending so much time and money in Florida because it’s the biggest state that’s still up for grabs. Since there are more blue states than red, Trump needs to win this battleground state to win the election.

“Trump can't win the presidency without it, and Biden wants to win it for democrats up and down the ticket, to build the democratic party in Florida, as well as across the country,” added Dr. MacManus.

Pew estimates that nationwide, nearly 1 in 4 voters will be 65 and older. It’s the highest level on record.

“Keeping my social security is a big issue, Medicare of course, I’m on that,” said John Dowd of Sun City Center.

"I need a candidate that’s kind, actually with a kind heart, because this person represents, all us Americans, human beings. Somebody that we trust, somebody that has integrity,” Grannon said.

Next stop for President Trump will be in Ocala on Friday.