Actions

Former President Barack Obama, Ivanka Trump hold rallies in Florida on Tuesday

Obama stumping in Orlando, while Trump is appearing in Sarasota and Miami
wptv-barack-obama-ivanka-trump-florida.jpg
Posted at 10:25 AM, Oct 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-27 19:35:08-04

ORLANDO, Fla. — President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential challenger Joe Biden got some high-profile support on the campaign trail in Florida on Tuesday.

Former President Barack Obama stumped for Biden at a drive-in rally in Orlando, calling this the "most important election of our lifetime."

Obama criticized President Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying more than 225,000 people have died in the U.S., while 500,000 have lost their jobs in Florida alone.

"The pandemic would've been challenging for any president. But this idea that somehow this White House has done anything but completely screw this thing up is nonsense," Obama said.

WATCH BARACK OBAMA RALLY:

Former President Barack Obama campaigns for Joe Biden in Orlando

The former commander-in-chief said Biden will working to make COVID-19 testing and a COVID-19 vaccine free.

"His plan will guarantee paid sick leave for workers and parents affected by the pandemic," Obama said. "He's gonna make sure that small businesses that hold our communities together and employ millions of Americans can reopen safely."

Obama urged Americans to take part in early voting, which is running until Sunday, Nov. 1, or by mailing in your ballot.

Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump headlined a "Make America Great Again" rally in Sarasota on Tuesday afternoon, where she praised her father's efforts to rebuild our nation's military, secure our borders, defeat ISIS, deliver tax cuts, and create jobs.

"Donald Trump has done more for Florida in 47 months than Joe Biden did in 47 years," Trump said.

WATCH IVANKA TRUMP RALLY:

Ivanka Trump holds rally in Sarasota

Calling the Republican party the part of the American worker, American family, and American dream, the president's daughter said the Trump Administration has helped create 11.4 million jobs in the U.S. over the last five months.

"President Trump built the greatest economy in American history, and now is leading the greatest American comeback," Trump said.

In terms of combating the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivanka Trump said her father has brought together the government and private sector to launch the "largest industrial mobilization since World War II."

Trump said that thanks to Operation Warp Speed, the administration is on track to deliver a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine before the end of the year.

SPECIAL COVERAGE: Election 2020

"Joe Biden has said that he will shut down our entire country. But to what end?" Trump said. "Endless lockdowns are not a strategy. President Trump will never surrender to the virus. He will defeat the virus, bring back your jobs, and end this pandemic once and for all."

Ivanka Trump later appeared at a second "Make America Great Again" rally on Tuesday night in Miami.

According to a newly released poll by Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Biden holds a 50% to 48% edge over Trump among likely Florida voters.

Of those polled, 6% said there was a chance they could change their minds.