Keeping North Carolina competitive could set path to Clinton victory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On the eve of President Obama and Hillary Clinton's first joint campaign event Tuesday in Charlotte, experts said North Carolina could affect Donald Trump's strategy nationwide.

"Democrats don't necessarily need North Carolina," said Michael Bitzer, political science professor at Catawba College. "But if they can keep North Carolina competitive, that forces Trump to spend much needed resources that can't be spent in Ohio, Wisconsin or Michigan."

Officials announced the Clinton-Obama visit on Wednesday. Just two days later, Trump announced he would hold a rally in Raleigh just a couple hours after the Charlotte event.

While the schedules could set the stage for dueling speeches, aides to both Clinton and the president told The Associated Press that his remarks will focus on the pair's "foe-to-friend" relationship.

He is expected to convince voters of her trustworthiness and honesty. Democrats believe the one-time Clinton critic will carry more weight than others in testifying on her behalf.

"This early signal of him getting out on the campaign trail is going to be indicative of how Hillary Clinton and her campaign is going to structure that strategy," Bitzer said.

There are still tickets available for the event. CLICK HERE for more information.

Blue Line service affected by uptown Charlotte event

From 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the LYNX Blue line will operate from the Interstate 485/South Boulevard station to the Carson Street station due to Clinton-Obama event at the Convention Center.

Customers can connect with a bus bridge from Carson Street station to uptown.

Cox Media Group