In the upcoming presidential election, Pennsylvania is seen as a critical state for both Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Pennsylvania has sided with the winner of the past two elections by slim margins, and polling indicates that the state will once again be closely contested in November. Both candidates have been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania, recognizing the importance of securing the state’s electoral votes. Harris is looking to recreate the coalition that helped President Joe Biden win in 2020, while Republicans are attempting to counter Trump’s unpopularity in the state’s liberal suburbs.
House Republicans have released a report criticizing the Biden administration for the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, shifting blame away from Trump, who initiated the withdrawal deal with the Taliban. The report details the failures that led to the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan and the abandonment of American citizens and allies. However, the report has been met with criticism from House Democrats, who argue that it ignores key facts about Trump’s role in the withdrawal. Previous investigations have highlighted systemic failures across multiple administrations, with Biden and Trump both shouldering responsibility for the debacle.
Harris and Trump are set to face off in their first – and potentially only – debate in Philadelphia. Harris, known for her prosecutorial skills, will be up against Trump’s aggressive debating style. Both candidates have been engaged in debate preparation ahead of their meeting. Following the debate, Harris and Biden plan to commemorate the anniversary of September 11 with visits to New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Harris will then launch a campaign tour across battleground states, starting in North Carolina before returning to Pennsylvania.
As the election draws near, both candidates are ramping up their campaign efforts. Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is also hitting the campaign trail, along with other top surrogates. Meanwhile, Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, are focused on fundraising events in California and New York. Trump recently issued a warning on social media, implying consequences for those engaged in unethical behavior during the election. Harris is working on connecting with voters on a personal level, sharing anecdotes about her life and experiences. Walz has highlighted Harris’s commitment to defending LGBTQ+ rights, pledging her support for the community if elected president.
