President Donald Trump will look to energize supporters and upstage his Democratic challengers on the eve of South Carolina’s presidential primary and in the midst of fears over the spread of the new coronavirus.
Trump has held rallies in each of the four early voting states for the presidential nomination. He went to Nevada last week even though Republicans had canceled their presidential caucus to show allegiance to the president. Likewise, South Carolina GOP officials opted not to hold a primary this year.
But that’s not stopping Trump, who has reveled in poking his challengers in the run-up to their contests.
Adam Gazda of Savannah, Ga., shows off his beard painted in the colors of the American flag before a campaign rally for President Donald Trump, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP PhotoPatrick Semansky)
“Some people say I’m trolling the Democrats and maybe I am,” Trump said at the White House.
Unlike the three earlier voting states, South Carolina is not considered a swing state. Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in South Carolina by more than 14 percentage points in 2016.
Following Saturday’s contest, more than a dozen states vote next week in Super Tuesday contests.
Attendees look for seats before a campaign rally for President Donald Trump, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP PhotoPatrick Semansky)
Trump arrives in North Charleston, South Carolina, following a brutal week for the stock market. Stocks sank again Friday after another wild day on Wall Street, extending a rout that handed the market its worst week since October 2008, at the height of the financial crisis.
Analysts worry that the stock swoon could cause consumer spending to contract. Such spending makes up some 70% of the economy and has played a huge role in keeping the U.S. economic expansion going.
Trump has linked his presidency to the markets through tweets and speeches often taking credit for each new high in the markets. Now, Trump is trying to reassure Americans the economy is still strong while also theorizing that the Democratic candidates’ debate performances have spooked investors.
President Donald Trump boards Air Force One from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Friday Feb. 28, 2020, en route to North Charleston, S.C., for a campaign rally. (AP PhotoJacquelyn Martin)
The virus has infected 83,000 people globally and caused about 2,800 deaths.