Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the site of a previous assassination attempt, as the 2024 race for the White House reaches its final month. Trump sees this rally as fulfilling a promise to return to the location where the attempt took place. The incident, along with other recent events, has added to the unpredictability and volatility of the current election season. With early voting already underway, Trump is facing different challenges compared to the 2020 race, with shifting dynamics and battleground states coming into focus.
The Butler rally holds a special significance for Trump as he plans to honor the victims of the assassination attempt, including firefighter Corey Comperatore who died protecting his family. Despite promises of a different tone and substance in his speeches, Trump tends to revert back to familiar topics and attacks on political rivals. The high-profile event will be attended by Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, as well as prominent figures like Elon Musk and Lee Greenwood. Security for the rally has been significantly enhanced following the previous attempt on Trump’s life, with additional protocols put in place to prevent any future threats.
The campaign is intensifying its efforts in key swing states, with a focus on targeting key counties and constituencies that could sway the election. Both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are focusing on seven battleground states, with a significant amount of advertising and campaign spending allocated to Pennsylvania. The fight for the White House is being waged at the local level, with specific issues being highlighted in different states to appeal to persuadable voters. The final stretch leading up to Election Day is expected to see more targeted appeals and outreach to key demographics.
Despite no more scheduled presidential debates, both campaigns are focusing on independent podcasts and online shows to reach new and infrequent voters. Harris is particularly targeting Latino voters in Pennsylvania to maintain Democratic margins of victory among non-White voters. Former President Barack Obama will also be starting a four-week push to bolster Harris’ candidacy, starting in Pittsburgh. The final 30 days before the election are crucial for both campaigns in solidifying support and driving turnout in key states.
