As Election Day approaches, the spotlight turns to Pennsylvania, a state pivotal for deciding the next U.S. president.

However, one notable figure missing from the last-minute campaigning is President Joe Biden, originally from Scranton, seemingly sidelined due to controversial recent statements, as Fox News reports.

While Kamala Harris and former Donald Trump canvassed across the state, Biden appears to have concluded his campaign efforts.

His absence comes after a series of controversies that have sparked widespread discussion on social media.

Final Speech Highlights Biden's Deep Scranton Roots

President Biden’s final campaign speech took place in his hometown of Scranton. During this speech, he emphasized his strong connection to the city, saying, "Scranton becomes part of your heart. It crawls into your heart. It’s real."

Biden recounted anecdotes from his youth, reflecting on times that shaped his character and political views. However, his remarks about Republican tax policies and a particular anecdote about his younger days led to significant backlash online.

Controversial Remarks Spark Social Media Backlash

During his Scranton speech, Biden criticized Republican tax proposals, aiming at their benefits for the wealthy. He quipped about his confrontations in Scranton’s neighborhoods, saying, "These [are] the kind of guys you’d like to smack in the a---."

This remark did not sit well with many, leading to accusations on social media that he was undermining Harris’s campaign efforts. Critics and commentators expressed concerns about the impact of his words.

Biden's Campaign Trail Ends Amidst Gaffe Reactions

Following the speech and ensuing controversy, Biden decided to withdraw from the remaining campaign events.

Commentators like Jon Miltimore and David Urban have speculated on whether Biden's campaign appearances were doing more harm than good.

Meghan McCain went further, suggesting that Biden’s actions were intentionally damaging to Harris.

Harris and Celebrities Push on in Pennsylvania

Despite Biden’s absence, the Harris campaign worked hard not to lose momentum. Harris, joined by her husband Doug Emhoff and figures like Gov. Josh Shapiro, remained active across Pennsylvania.

With the support of celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, Harris held major rallies in cities including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, aiming to solidify her support in the crucial state.

Trump's Campaign Continues in Parallel

Simultaneously, former President Trump campaigned vigorously in the Keystone State.

His schedule also included stops in North Carolina and Michigan, indicating a broad strategy to secure votes across multiple key states.

Trump’s campaign efforts in Pennsylvania were marked by rallies and public appearances, trying to sway voters in his favor right up until the polls open.

As the candidates made their final appeals to voters, Pennsylvania remains a focal point in this election. The outcome in this state could very well decide the next president of the United States, making every campaign stop here especially significant.

The past few days were critical as both camps made their last efforts to appeal to undecided voters in one of the most closely-watched battlegrounds of the 2024 election.