GREENVILLE, N.C. — With just over two weeks until Election Day, Vice President Harris and former President Trump are campaigning vigorously in swing states, targeting a crucial voting bloc for victory: Republicans.
During his visit to North Carolina, Trump highlighted early voting statistics while observing storm damage near Asheville. At a rally in Greenville, he criticized Harris and promoted his stringent immigration policies, also connecting with evangelical voters at a faith-based event near Charlotte.
“As I reflect on my life’s journey, I realize that God’s hand has guided me to where I am today,” Trump stated at a gathering with faith leaders in Concord. “My faith gained new significance recently, where I felt a profound purpose to make our country great.”
Meanwhile, Harris engaged in moderated discussions with former GOP congresswoman Liz Cheney in the suburbs of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, emphasizing that the upcoming election transcends partisan boundaries and is a choice about the future of democracy.
“There are critical moments in our history that demand we decide what values we stand for,” Harris remarked in Malvern, Pa. “Will we support country over party?”
Throughout the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump has maintained a strong focus on his core Republican base while seeking to mobilize lower-propensity voters who are disillusioned with the current Democratic administration.
The coalition that had propelled President Biden’s narrow 2020 victory included a substantial number of anti-Trump conservatives. Since becoming the Democratic nominee this summer, Harris has intensified her outreach to these voters to broaden the party’s appeal and combat Trump’s influence.
Polling suggests a competitive race in the key swing states, underscoring the urgency for both campaigns to mobilize every possible voter.
Trump remains steadfast in his approach
North Carolina is a pivotal state for Trump, who won it in 2020, and remains essential for his strategy in the upcoming election.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Trump has frequently leveraged the storm’s aftermath to critique Harris and the federal government’s response, while reiterating his hardline immigration stance.
Addressing reporters in a storm-affected area, Trump made exaggerated claims about the funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), stating, “They spend a fortune relocating illegal immigrants while neglecting our citizens.”
Trump has not condemned threats against federal officials, posing questions about the accountability of federal agencies performing poorly.
His recent rally in Greenville saw him restate calls for mass deportations and border security, labeling Harris as complicit in what he terms an “invasion” of the United States.
This rhetoric included unfounded claims regarding illegal voting and the suggestion that the only way he could lose would be through election fraud. At a faith event, he reiterated his standard campaign themes while unfoundedly accusing Harris of anti-Christian bias.
On the opposing end, Harris’s approach aims to attract moderate Republicans by acknowledging their concerns without fully adopting conservative viewpoints. Cheney emphasized that supporting Harris does not conflict with being a conservative, particularly in light of the recent legislative changes affecting women’s healthcare post-Dobbs decision.
Harris continues to advocate for bipartisan cooperation, underscoring the importance of selecting leaders with integrity and character, as echoed by Cheney: “Millions of honorable individuals have been betrayed by Trump, and it’s imperative to choose leaders who reflect good faith and moral character.”
As the campaign progresses, Harris is set to participate in interviews and events, including a collaboration with former President Obama in Georgia and a town hall with CNN later in the week.
