With early voting underway in key states like Georgia and Pennsylvania, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump have ramped up their last-minute efforts to win voter support. As the election approaches, with just 17 days remaining until November 5, both candidates are locked in a tight race, particularly in the most competitive battleground states.
Harris Rallies in Michigan and Georgia
On Saturday, Kamala Harris held a get-out-the-vote event in Detroit, Michigan, alongside Michigan-born rapper Lizzo. The U.S. vice president urged her supporters to leave no stone unturned in the lead-up to Election Day. “And what I think we all know is, on Election Day, we don’t want to have any regrets about what we could have done these next 17 days, and on November 5,” Harris said.
Following her event in Detroit, Harris traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where she held a rally with pop singer Usher, who is currently performing a concert series in the city. Early voting in Georgia has also begun, and Harris emphasized the importance of engaging voters in the crucial southern state.
Harris also took a swipe at Trump, saying, “Donald Trump has proven himself to be increasingly unstable and unfit, and he is trying to take us backward,” during her Detroit stop.
Trump Campaigns in Pennsylvania Amid Polling Deadlock
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump planned a Saturday rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Trump is aiming to capitalize on what he perceives as an improved position in recent polls, with some showing the race in Pennsylvania neck-and-neck. Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, remains a key focus for both candidates, especially as some voters have already submitted mail-in ballots.
Trump will need to secure strong support in Pennsylvania, the largest battleground state, to edge out Harris in the 2024 race. As part of his strategy, Trump continues to focus on consolidating his base, dismissing concerns raised by Harris about his fitness for office.
Harris and Trump Trade Jabs in Michigan
Both candidates spent Friday campaigning in Michigan, a closely contested state. Harris, who is turning 60 this weekend, has repeatedly called for Trump, 78, to release his health records. Trump, however, brushed off the criticism, saying, “I’m not even tired,” and suggested that Harris should take a cognitive test herself.
Trump also dismissed reports of event cancellations, though an October 22 National Rifle Association event in Savannah, Georgia, where he was scheduled to appear, was called off by organizers.
Key Focus on Non-White Voters in Michigan and Georgia
Harris is banking on strong support from the majority non-white populations in Detroit and Atlanta, as well as their surrounding suburbs, to replicate President Joe Biden’s 2020 victories in Michigan and Georgia. Both states remain vital for the Democratic Party’s path to the White House, and Harris’ campaign is focusing on energizing these crucial voter bases in the final stretch before Election Day.
