On the final day of the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump made their last pitches to voters in Pennsylvania, a state that could prove decisive in the campaign for the White House. Harris, the Democratic nominee, ended her day in Philadelphia at the art museum steps where she expressed optimism about the momentum being on their side. Trump, the Republican nominee, started his day in North Carolina and finished it in Michigan, but made stops in Reading and Pittsburgh in between. Both candidates delivered passionate speeches, with Harris focusing on the future and never mentioning Trump by name, while the former president attacked his opponent at every turn.
The campaign season has been marked by unexpected events, including Trump’s conviction during a felony trial, two assassination attempts, and ongoing legal challenges related to overturning the previous election. Harris stepped in as the replacement Democratic candidate this summer after Joe Biden was forced to abandon his reelection bid. The election is expected to be extremely close, with Pennsylvania holding the key to victory for either candidate due to its high number of Electoral College votes. Both Harris and Trump urged voters to make a difference in the election, emphasizing the importance of Pennsylvania as the ultimate prize.
In his final rally in Pittsburgh, Trump made his closing argument to supporters, highlighting the failures and betrayals Americans have faced in the past four years. He vowed to lead the country to new heights of glory and criticized Pelosi as a “crazy, horrible human being.” Meanwhile, Harris concluded her campaign in Allentown where she spoke about being a president for all Americans and encouraged voters to make a difference. The day’s events were overshadowed by controversy stemming from Trump’s previous rally at Madison Square Garden, where racist and crude jokes were made by a comedian, creating backlash among the Latino population in southeastern Pennsylvania.
As the candidates made their final pitches, headlines surrounding the 2024 election focused on the uniqueness of the race and the unprecedented number of early voters. Trump, if elected, would become the first incoming president to have been indicted and convicted of a felony, giving him the power to end federal investigations against him. Harris, on the other hand, is vying to become the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to reach the Oval Office. Both candidates sought to rally their supporters and make a final push for Pennsylvania, a state where victory could secure their path to the White House.
In a rare moment of reflection, Harris talked about her early days as a longshot candidate for San Francisco district attorney, recounting her grassroots campaign strategies. Trump also showed a sentimental side, reminiscing about his nine-year journey in politics during his final rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The close of the 2024 presidential campaign was marked by fervent speeches, passionate supporters, and high stakes for both candidates. The results of the election are expected to be closely contested, with Pennsylvania emerging as the critical battleground state that will determine the next occupant of the White House.
