Kamala Harris disembarks Air Force Two near ”Trump Force One”, Charlotte, North Carolina, November 2, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Campaign in Battleground States as Election Nears
With just three days remaining until the U.S. presidential election, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump have continued intense campaigning efforts, focusing on key swing states. As Harris arrived in North Carolina on Saturday, she was met with an unexpected sight: Trump’s private Boeing 757 aircraft was parked nearby on the tarmac. This encounter highlighted the high stakes in several competitive states, including North Carolina, which has become a central battleground in the upcoming election.
Campaign Events in North Carolina
Harris arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city, for a rally, while Trump had campaigned earlier in suburban Gastonia. It was the fourth consecutive day both candidates had campaigned in the same state, underscoring their focus on the handful of states that could decide the election. North Carolina, which Trump narrowly won in 2020, remains highly competitive. So far, around four million ballots have been cast in the state, showing voter enthusiasm similar to other areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Candidates’ Themes and Messages
In North Carolina, Trump emphasized his position on immigration, pledging to deport millions if elected and warning that Harris’s policies would lead to increased dangers in American towns. He also voiced concerns about crime in suburban areas, suggesting that suburban communities are under threat.
Meanwhile, Harris criticized Trump in a speech in Atlanta, Georgia, accusing him of seeking unchecked power and being driven by grievances. She warned of the potential risks if he returns to office, describing him as “unstable” and “obsessed with revenge.”
High Early Voter Turnout
As of Saturday, over 72 million Americans had cast their ballots, indicating high voter interest. Although this figure is slightly below the record early voting seen during the 2020 pandemic year, it still reflects significant engagement.
North Carolina’s Political Landscape
North Carolina’s political landscape remains divided. The state narrowly supported Trump in 2020 but also elected a Democratic governor. This split result has given both parties hope as they compete to secure votes in the state. The region’s western counties, recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene, appear to be voting at similar rates as the rest of the state, according to Professor Michael Bitzer of Catawba College.
Policy Differences Between Harris and Trump
Harris and Trump have sharply contrasting positions on a range of issues, including foreign policy, immigration, tax reform, and democratic principles. For example, while Harris supports continued aid to Ukraine and alliances such as NATO, Trump has suggested revisiting these commitments. On immigration, Trump’s platform includes stricter enforcement and deportation measures, contrasting with Harris’s more inclusive policies. Their differences extend to issues like abortion rights and government spending.
Recently, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stated that if Trump wins and Republicans control Congress, they may repeal the CHIPS Act, which was enacted under Joe Biden to boost domestic semiconductor production. Democrats have criticized these remarks, viewing them as evidence of a broader conservative initiative—Project 2025—to reshape U.S. government policies. Johnson later clarified, saying that the act would be streamlined rather than repealed, with a focus on reducing regulatory constraints.
Closing Days of the Campaign
As Election Day approaches, Harris and Trump are set to continue their campaigns in competitive states. Trump is expected to hold rallies in Salem, Virginia, followed by an event in Greensboro, North Carolina, though Virginia is not widely seen as a battleground state. Both candidates aim to rally support and energize their bases as they enter the final stretch of this contentious election.
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