If there was a time Hillary needed to make a public appearance in the key battleground state of North Carolina to drum up voter support, it was today, if for no other reason than a just released Elon University poll finding Trump now has a modest 44% advantage among likely voters in the Tar Heel State, with 43% going to Clinton.

According to the poll, most voters felt Trump would be better for rich people, white people and men, while most believe Clinton would be better for poor people, women and minorities. “This election is so tight right now, that small swings of a few points should be expected between now and November,” said Jason Husser, assistant professor of political science at Elon and director of the Elon University Poll. “North Carolina has been extremely important over the last several election cycles with very tight election outcomes. These numbers suggest that will continue to be the case, and both campaigns would do well to continue to focus on the Old North State.”

It's not just the closeness of the poll that makes NC so critical; it's also Trump's recent rebound, which as shown in the following chart from Real Clear Politics has him taking the lead for the first time since late June.



Which is why we find it surprising that with Hillary's desperately needing to make an appearance, overnight CBS reported that Clinton campaign officials said that a Tuesday fundraiser in Chapel Hill was postponed.

The Clinton event was billed as “lunch with Hillary Rodham Clinton” and had four donation levels to attend. Those contribution levels were described as $100,000, which featured “chair reception with Hillary,” $33,000, which included a “host reception with Hillary,” $5,000, which included “preferred seating” and $2,700.

No reason was given for postponement of the Clinton event, which was planned to take place at the home of Betty Craven and Michael Warner.

Is Hillary's health once again becoming an issue?

We don't know, although based on a video recording of Hillary during a speech last night in Philadelphia, some neurological issues may have returned. As The American Mirror reported, "Hillary’s eyes appeared not in-sync with one another." A montage of Hillary’s eye-catching moments before a small group of Temple University students can be seen below in footage by The American Mirror.

Whatever the reason, Trump would take full advantage of Hillary's absence to build on his momentum in the state: a small Eastern North Carolina town is preparing for Donald Trump’s appearance Tuesday. Trump will hold a rally in Kenansville Tuesday just two weeks after making a stop in Greenville. The rally will be held at the Duplin County Event Center and it is likely to be the largest event ever held in Kenansville, with a population of about 855.

For Trump’s event, Between 7,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend the rally, which could mean heavy traffic for the usually quiet town. Multiple law enforcement agencies in and around Duplin County are working together to prepare for the event.

Pocket knives, handguns and other firearms are also not allowed in the event center. Sheriff Blake Wallace said there will be a designated area for any protesters as well. Doors for the event will open at 3 p.m. with Trump scheduled to speak at 5 p.m. Trump also plans to hold a rally in High Point around noon on Tuesday.

Trump also took the opportunity to take a jab at Clinton's over today's surprising fundraiser "postponement."

Hillary Clinton is taking the day off again, she needs the rest. Sleep well Hillary - see you at the debate! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 20, 2016

Has Hillary's health deteriorated again to the point where she can't make public appearances due to pneumonia? We should know soon: her next public appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, when she is due to speak at a rally in Orlando, Florida.