In the final weeks of a fiercely competitive election, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump are attempting to expand their coalition by appealing to both traditional and non-traditional voters. The candidates are taking stances that blur the lines of their party’s usual policy priorities, causing confusion among their bases. Trump has tested the loyalty of conservatives by softening his stance on abortion and calling for government intervention in health care and the economy. On the other hand, Harris has embraced a more muscular foreign policy, expressed openness to owning a gun, and even mentioned using it if necessary.
Despite the shift in their policies, Harris and Trump’s priorities still align largely with their party’s traditions. Swing-state Republicans have expressed concern over the lack of door-knocking and voter turnout efforts on behalf of the Trump campaign, with many activists reporting minimal presence of canvassers. The reliance on outside groups like America PAC, funded by Elon Musk, for crucial campaign operations has left some party officials questioning the effectiveness of the outreach strategy. With less than 50 days until the election, the success of the turnout operation remains a significant concern for the Trump campaign.
A recent survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs reveals that few Americans view either Harris or Trump as particularly Christian. Despite Harris’s Baptist upbringing and Trump’s identification as a nondenominational Christian, only 14% of U.S. adults believe the term ‘Christian’ describes them well. Among white evangelical Protestants, however, Trump maintains a favorable rating, with 7 in 10 viewing him positively. Additionally, both candidates received mixed responses when asked if they were considered honest or moral by the public, further highlighting the challenges they face in appealing to voters on a personal level.
In terms of campaign activities, Harris is scheduled to visit key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada, underscoring the importance of these regions in determining the election outcome. Meanwhile, Trump’s upcoming events include stops in states like Pennsylvania, Indiana, Georgia, and Michigan, as he focuses on key themes such as Chinese influence in the U.S. and tax policy. In a departure from tradition, Harris will skip the Al Smith charity dinner in New York to prioritize campaigning in battleground states just weeks before Election Day.
As the election draws closer, Trump has hinted that he may not run for president again in 2028 if he is unsuccessful in his bid for re-election in 2024. The uncertainty surrounding the future of both candidates adds an additional layer of intrigue to an already highly contentious campaign. With the race heating up and voter turnout looming as a critical factor, both Harris and Trump must continue to adapt their strategies to secure the support needed to win the presidency in November.
