In a stark contrast of activities, President Joe Biden returned to his childhood hometown of Scranton on Tuesday to kickstart a three-day campaign tour across Pennsylvania, while his potential 2024 opponent, former President Donald Trump, found himself in a New York City courtroom for the first-ever criminal trial of a former president.

Biden, using Scranton – a working-class city with a population of approximately 75,000 – as a backdrop, aimed to pitch his new tax plan to the American public. Meanwhile, Trump faced the start of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's criminal case against him for alleged hush money payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign.

The second day of the trial in New York City began with jury selection scheduled for approximately 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Trump is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records relating to the alleged hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Judge Juan Merchan warned Trump that failing to be present would result in a warrant being issued for his arrest.

After spending Tuesday night in Scranton, Biden plans to continue his campaign trail with a visit to Pittsburgh on Wednesday morning. While a brief visit to the White House is on the agenda, Biden intends to return to Pennsylvania on Thursday for an event in Philadelphia.

Scranton holds deep personal and political significance for Biden, who spent his early years in a three-story colonial home in the Green Ridge neighborhood. Later, his family relocated to Delaware, the state he would eventually represent in the U.S. Senate.

Biden's campaign activities come as Trump finds himself embroiled in a courtroom battle, potentially facing time behind bars if convicted. Trump had pleaded not guilty to all charges last year. However, concerns about a fair trial persist, with Trump labeling the case against him as a "scam" and a "political witch hunt."

Judge Juan Merchan, whom Trump criticized as partisan, addressed the former president directly, emphasizing his obligation to be present during the trial. The judge also warned that any disruption from Trump would result in his removal from the proceedings.

Despite Trump's request to be excused from the trial on April 23 to attend arguments at the Supreme Court regarding presidential immunity, Judge Merchan denied the plea. Additionally, no ruling has been made yet regarding the trial's potential adjournment for Trump to attend his son Barron's high school graduation.

Before jury selection commenced, Judge Merchan declined the defense's request to recuse himself from the case. Furthermore, the judge scheduled a hearing for next Tuesday, April 23, to discuss possible sanctions against Trump for violating the gag order.

As the campaign trail and the courtroom continue to diverge, all eyes remain on Biden's push for his tax plan and Trump's fight for his freedom. The outcome of both endeavors could significantly shape the political landscape moving forward.