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President Trump hits rivals in Charlotte on the eve of Super Tuesday

CHARLOTTE — Joking that he likes to visit states ahead of major party contests to "troll," President Donald Trump addressed a sold-out Bojangles' Coliseum and thousands of supporters who had to watch the speech outside.

"This state is home to some of the strongest people, incredible patriots," Trump said. "Ladies and gentlemen of North Carolina, the best is yet to come."

Trump spent a significant part of the night critiquing and criticizing his Democratic rivals. He questioned Joe Biden's memory, attacked Bernie Sanders' policies, called Mike Bloomberg's debate performance "the worst in history of presidential contests" and said Elizabeth Warren's candidacy never caught on.

Addressing Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar's endorsements of Joe Biden, Trump pondered if they were offered a deal for their support.

"They both supported Sleepy Joe, you know why? They made a deal," he said. "Quid pro quo."

Trump briefly addressed the spread of coronavirus and said pharmaceutical companies will have vaccines for it "relatively soon." He also said he told pharmaceutical companies they need to be better on the flu vaccine.

Monday was Trump’s second visit to Charlotte in less than a month. Trump 2020 Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the Carolinas can expect more visits from him between now and November. The 2020 Republican National Convention is also being held in Charlotte.

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