As Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc in Florida, the presidential campaigning continued in battleground states across the U.S. on Thursday. Vice President Kamala Harris attended a Univision town hall in Las Vegas and then went to an evening rally in Phoenix, strategically trying to increase support with key voting blocs. Former President Donald Trump spoke at the Economic Club of Detroit, criticizing the federal response to Hurricane Helene as he sought political advantage. Both campaigns are utilizing their travel strategically to gain support in what is expected to be a close election.
Former President Barack Obama made his first appearance for Harris at a rally in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, kicking off a series of campaign stops he will make on behalf of the vice president. Obama took aim at Trump during his speech, portraying him as a bully and questioning his leadership skills. Obama also engaged with volunteers and emphasized the importance of Black men supporting Harris in the upcoming election.
In Arizona, Harris supporters are fired up and optimistic about her chances in Maricopa County, as early voting began this week. While enthusiasm for Harris is high among many supporters, concerns remain about young Black men who may not be as supportive. Voters like Keith Edmondson are actively working to convince their family members, even those who support Trump, to vote for Harris, emphasizing the historic nature of her potential victory as a Black woman.
Harris has been actively engaging with Native American tribes in Arizona, visiting the Gila River Indian Community reservation and speaking at a school funded by the infrastructure bill signed by President Biden. Native American voters are seen as a crucial part of the Democratic coalition in Arizona, and Harris’s outreach to these communities is an important aspect of her campaign strategy. Native American leaders emphasized the impact of their voting bloc in crucial swing states.
During a town hall event in Las Vegas, Harris was asked to name three virtues that Trump possesses but was unable to do so. She criticized Trump’s approach to politics and his divisive rhetoric, highlighting the differences between their leadership styles. Supporters at a rally in Arizona braved high temperatures to show their support for Harris, with many emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election and the need for change in leadership.
Trump, meanwhile, continued to criticize the federal response to natural disasters and spread misinformation about the Biden administration’s handling of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. He also announced that his daughter, Tiffany Trump, is expecting a baby with her husband, Michael Boulos. The presidential campaigns are in full swing as Election Day approaches, with both sides actively engaging with voters and highlighting their contrasting visions for the future of the country.
