ST. LOUIS/DEARBORN, Mich. (Reuters) – U.S. Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders campaigned in the Midwest on Saturday, as the two prepare for a showdown in Michigan, Missouri and four other nominating contests next week.
Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign stop in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., March 7, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Sanders, 78, who until recently was the front-runner in the party’s race to face Republican President Donald Trump in November, is now trailing in delegates and desperate to regain momentum after Biden, 77, received a rush of endorsements from party establishment figures following his strong “Super Tuesday” showing this week.
Below is a summary of Saturday’s events.
BIDEN LAUNCHES BIGGEST AD BUY OF HIS CAMPAIGN
With a rush of momentum, endorsements and campaign contributions flowing in after his strong Super Tuesday showing this week, Biden launched the biggest advertising blitz of his presidential campaign, according to a campaign spokesman who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Until recently, Biden’s campaign was struggling to raise funds. Now, as he looks ahead to Tuesday and more big contests on March 17, Biden is spending $12 million on a six-state ad buy.
The online, digital and TV ads will run in Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi – three states that vote on Tuesday – and Florida, Illinois and Ohio, three of the four states voting on March 17.
Biden’s campaign said on Friday it had raised about $22 million in five days.
BIDEN PREACHES UNITY, AS SANDERS ATTACKS
Biden called for Democratic unity against Trump at a rally in St. Louis, Missouri, shortly after Sanders attacked his record and Biden had warned against a primary “bloodbath.”
“We’re going to unite this party