Harris Gears Up for Debate as Trump Talks Economy

AFP

Washington: Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as she prepares for the upcoming presidential debate against Donald Trump in Philadelphia. This debate marks a critical phase of the election campaign, especially since Pennsylvania is a key battleground state, alongside Georgia and other swing states.

Harris will spend five days in Pittsburgh strategizing with her advisors, including top political consultants like Karen Dunn, who previously helped Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in debate preparation. While she has no official campaign events planned, she is expected to engage informally with voters.

This debate will be the first between Harris and Trump, following Trump’s refusal to attend President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration. The Republican candidate, Trump, continues to prepare for the debate by holding speaking engagements and policy discussions, though he has criticized the debate host, ABC, for alleged bias.

Both Harris and Trump have voiced opposition to the sale of US Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel. The transaction, valued at $14.9 billion, has sparked political debate, particularly in Pennsylvania, with concerns about potential factory closures if the deal is blocked.

Harris and Biden stood with union workers in Pittsburgh earlier, reflecting their stance against the deal, which Trump also opposes. The debate and the lead-up to the election will be highly watched as both sides brace for a close and decisive contest.