PITTSBURGH: With the United States set for a highly consequential presidential election, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump embarked on a final campaign blitz Monday, each rallying support in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania.
Both campaigns are focused on securing crucial votes in a race that polls show is deadlocked, with a focus on seven battleground states.
For Democrat Kamala Harris, Monday marks the climax of a whirlwind campaign season following her late entry after President Joe Biden dropped out in July.
Harris, aiming to become the first woman president, underscored optimism for Democratic “momentum” in her bid against former President Donald Trump, who has promised a “landslide” victory for his return to the White House. At 78, Trump would be the oldest president to serve another term.
The significance of Pennsylvania as a key prize in the Electoral College was underscored as both candidates scheduled competing rallies in Pittsburgh. While Harris plans a major event in Philadelphia, featuring singer Lady Gaga, Trump will make stops in North Carolina and Michigan as part of a last-minute sprint across swing states.
READ ALSO: US Warns Iran Against Attacks on Israel as American B-52 Bombers Deployed in Middle East
The contest, reflective of a deeply divided America, has attracted global attention for its implications on international affairs, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, the war in Ukraine, and climate policy. With early turnout reaching over 78 million – roughly half the total votes cast in 2020 – both campaigns are closely watching these numbers as they target voters with contrasting messages.
Trump has sought to energize his base with a hardline approach, focusing on the economy, immigration, and disparaging political opponents. At rallies, he has courted controversy with inflammatory language, recently joking about violence against journalists and continuing to assert election fraud claims. Trump’s campaign has also included eye-catching appearances, such as a ride in a garbage truck.
Harris, meanwhile, has focused on issues like abortion rights, which she hopes will resonate with women voters. In Michigan, she made an appeal to the state’s sizable Arab-American community, promising efforts to end the war in Gaza.
Drawing on endorsements from high-profile figures like former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and singer Beyoncé, Harris has emphasized unity and progressive reforms in her campaign messaging.
Tensions are running high amid fears that Trump could challenge the outcome if he loses. Memories of the January 6 Capitol assault loom large, and some election staff have reportedly been provided with panic buttons in case of emergencies, with Nevada and Washington deploying the National Guard to guard against potential unrest.
Both candidates are deploying high-profile allies. Trump has enlisted tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is reportedly making $1 million in voter giveaways, while Harris has leaned on Obama’s support to boost voter turnout.
Absent from the campaign trail, however, is outgoing President Biden, who faced backlash last week for calling Trump supporters “garbage” and is spending the day at the White House.
Harris, who will kick off her day in Biden’s hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, expressed confidence during a rally in Michigan, telling supporters, “We have momentum – it’s on our side.”
