Harris, Trump End Historic Campaigns with Final Push to Voters
AFP/APP
Philadelphia: As Election Day approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are making their final appeals to voters in what could be one of the closest and most consequential U.S. presidential races in history.
With polling data showing a dead heat, both candidates made their closing pitches in crucial battleground states on Monday, presenting starkly different visions for America’s future.
Trump, 78, looking to stage an unprecedented political comeback after a turbulent first term, told supporters that with their vote, America could reach “new heights of glory.” Speaking to a packed crowd in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he vowed to address issues like immigration and economic recovery while painting a bleak picture of a nation in decline.
“With your vote tomorrow, we can fix every single problem our country faces and lead America—and indeed the world back to greatness,” Trump declared. He was joined at the rally by several family members, although his wife Melania was notably absent.
Meanwhile, Harris, 60, sought to inspire optimism, addressing a crowd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—the critical swing state that could determine the outcome of the election.
She was joined by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, and reflected on the symbolism of speaking on the famous “Rocky” steps, where she drew comparisons between her own rise as an underdog and the movie’s iconic theme of perseverance.
“This could be one of the closest races in history—every single vote matters,” Harris told the crowd, emphasizing that momentum is on the side of the Democrats. “We are going to win this,” she added confidently, despite only joining the race three months ago after President Joe Biden dropped out.
The Democratic Vice President is campaigning on a platform of inclusivity, reproductive rights, and economic recovery, while firmly opposing Trump-backed abortion bans. In a final rallying cry, Harris appealed to voters in Pennsylvania, saying, “You will decide the outcome of this election.”
Polling data points to a highly charged race with both sides mobilizing for high turnout. Early voting numbers show more than 82 million ballots already cast, but both candidates are urging supporters to show up at the polls on Election Day.
Trump urged his base to make their voices heard, stating, “We can win easily if we show up.” Harris echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the power of individual votes in such a tightly contested election.
Trump has leaned into apocalyptic rhetoric, warning of America’s collapse due to illegal immigration and claiming that his administration would restore order. Meanwhile, Harris has touted her vision of a “fresh start” after nearly a decade of Trump’s political dominance, framing her candidacy as one of hope and progress.
Despite his legal troubles and past controversies—including his refusal to accept the 2020 election results and the violent January 6 Capitol insurrection—Trump enters Election Day with a robust base of support, particularly among those concerned about illegal immigration and the state of the economy.
One Trump supporter, 19-year-old Ethan Wells from Michigan, cited concerns over crime and immigration, saying, “When Trump was president, nobody messed with America.”
Harris, on the other hand, has quickly galvanized the Democratic Party in her short campaign. She has energized young voters and women, and many of her supporters are hopeful that they are on the brink of making history. “Tomorrow, we will elect the first female president,” said Luke Little, a 24-year-old server in Philadelphia.
As Election Day approaches, global attention is riveted on the United States, with significant implications for international conflicts, including the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as pressing issues like climate change.
Trump, who has called climate change a “hoax,” contrasts with Harris’s strong stance on environmental action.
Concerns about potential violence linger, especially in light of Trump’s narrow escape from an assassination attempt in July and the foiling of a second plot against him.
The specter of unrest in the event of a contested election result has prompted businesses in Washington, D.C., and other cities to board up buildings, fearing post-election violence.
With polling places set to open across the country on Tuesday, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher. The next 24 hours could change the course of American history.
