Barack Obama to hold first in-person campaign event for Joe Biden
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Former U.S. President Barack Obama during a past event. /VCG Image

Former U.S. President Barack Obama during a past event. /VCG Image

Former U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to make his first in-person appearance in support of Joe Biden's presidential campaign later on Wednesday as the race to the White House enters its final stretch.

Obama has so far only held virtual campaign events but has been very active in supporting the Democratic effort so far.

He is expected to speak at a drive-in car rally at a sports arena in Philadelphia and motivate attendees to make plans to vote early.

The event will be livestreamed on the Biden campaign website and a limited number of tickets to supporters through local campaign officials will be offered.

As the race enters the final stages, Obama is applying himself fully into the presidential campaign and crucial contests which could help Democrats gain control of the Senate.

Pennsylvania voted for President Donald Trump in 2016 but is one of a number of battleground states where Obama will hope to shore up support, especially among Black and Hispanic communities and young voters. Obama won Pennsylvania twice when he contested in the presidential elections.

In the U.S., former presidents tend not to dive too deeply into politics, especially those involving individuals who succeeded them. However, David Axelrod, a long-time adviser to Obama, previously said the election of Trump altered things.

"I think that was his plan, but Trump changed that plan."

The campaign event comes a day before the final presidential debate which is scheduled to be held at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday night. Election day will be on November 3.

(With input from agencies)