Biden, Trump appeal to fear in final midterm rallies

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STORY: Stark closing comments a day before the U.S. midterm elections from President Joe Biden.

"Today we face an inflection point, one of those moments that comes around every three or four generations. We know in our bones that our democracy's at risk and we know that this is your moment to defend it."

The president and First Lady Jill Biden were in Maryland on Monday, making a final push for votes for the Democrats’ candidate for governor Wes Moore and Senator Chris Van Hollen.

"Democracy is on the ballot, political violence and intimidation are on a rise all across America. And you remember January 6, the angry mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol, attacked law enforcement, haunted down elected officials, and erected gallows to hang vice president (Mike) Pence. Well, Wes' opponent supported that mob."

Biden's comments reflected the deep political divide in the United States ahead of the Nov. 8 elections that could see Republicans win control of one or both chambers of Congress.

In Dayton, Ohio, former President Donald Trump also appealed to voter fears to rally up support for Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance.

"Violent crime is out of control and the far left is indoctrinating our children with twisted race and gender insanity in our schools like we’ve never thought of before."

Trump has repeatedly hinted at another White House bid, but on Monday suggested he’d now picked a date to make it official.

"I am going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, November 15, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida."

Biden, who will turn 80 later this month, has not said whether he will seek re-election in 2024.

Despite delivering on campaign promises to boost infrastructure and clean energy, many Americans have soured on his leadership.

Only 39% approve of his job performance, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Monday.

Election forecasters predicted on Monday that Republicans are likely to win a House majority and could gain the one extra seat needed to control the Senate.