Trump calls Biden corrupt, predicts 'red wave' of GOP victories during Greenville rally

The event was the president's sixth visit to the state since late August, and he urged the hundreds of supporters gathered there to get out and vote so he can win the battleground state, which some observers say is critical to his re-election chances.

"We're going to have a 'red wave,'" Trump told the crowd, predicting not only his victory but wins by other Republicans in key races nationwide.

He repeatedly bashed Democratic challenger Joe Biden during the 80-minute speech, spending more time attacking Biden than on rattling off his own accomplishments.

"Joe Biden has betrayed the workers of North Carolina through one act of economic treachery after another," he said. "For half a century, Biden twisted his blade into the heart of North Carolina workers. He should not be asking for your votes; he should be begging for your forgiveness."

Trump labeled the longtime U.S. senator and former vice president "a corrupt politician," saying he used his offices to rake in money – and his son has followed suit.

"Biden is a servant of the wealthy donors and globalists and special interests who got rich bleeding America dry," he said. "Biden got rich while America got robbed."

In a statement, Biden shot back that Trump has hurt North Carolina and the nation with his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Over the past four years, President Trump has proven himself incapable of keeping North Carolinians safe or putting the needs of working families over the interests of the wealthy and big corporations. North Carolinians are paying a heavy price for his failed presidency and COVID-19 response," the statement reads. "The people of North Carolina deserve better than President Trump’s disastrous leadership and empty promises. As President, I will do my job and look out for your family as if it was my own. I will unite our nation to defeat this virus, protect your health care and build back better."

Not just a battleground: NC could be 'barometer' for US this election

Trump touted his efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and to help the nation's economy recover amid the pandemic, adding that the virus is "petering out." He called on North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to reopen schools and businesses statewide.

North Carolina recorded its highest one-day total of new coronavirus infections to date on Thursday.

Trump tried to tie Biden to "radical left" lawmakers who would raise taxes, dismantle law enforcement, open the border with Mexico, drag down the economy, gut the Second Amendment protections for gun owners and put activist justices on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Joe has no control over that party," he said. "If he wins, the radical left will be running the country because they're addicted to power. God help us if they win. We won't have our country anymore, and it will never be able to come back."

As COVID-19 cases rise, NC doctors call on Trump to cancel Greenville rally

A majority of those polled by WRAL said Trump should stop holding large campaign rallies, especially after he recently contracted COVID-19.

But few masks were seen in the crowd in Greenville on Thursday, and people said they didn't believe they were at risk from the virus.

"I wore my mask whenever I went out in public, and I still got the virus," said Kristie Sisson, of Raleigh.

"People are old enough to make their own decisions. We don’t need government locking us down," Kevin Sisson added.

"I’m going to leave it up to the American people to do what they want to do," said Brian Frantz, of Rocky Mount. "I think we’re on the tail end of this, so hopefully it is going to be out of the way here soon."

Trump's campaign maintains the rallies are safe, saying people's temperatures are taken before coming in and that organizers encourage people to wear masks but do not require them because it should be a personal choice.

Most said they were confident the polls are wrong and that Trump will again carry North Carolina and win four more years in the White House.

"It’s one thing to say that we want to win; it’s another thing to be a part of the moment," said Joshua Jagessar, a minister from Raleigh. "From the get-go, we’ve been showing support for president trump financially, through prayers and our presence."

Vice President Mike Pence follows Trump to eastern North Carolina on Friday, holding a campaign rally in Selma.