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Trump holds rally at Madison Square Garden, Harris in Philadelphia

An image of Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump is displayed outside Madison Square Garden on the day of his rally, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado

Trump Holds Rally at Madison Square Garden, Harris Engages Voters in Philadelphia

Trump Rallies in New York as Election Day Nears

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is set to host a rally on Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York City, marking a significant campaign event in a state that has not backed a Republican president since 1984. The rally aims to support local Republican candidates in the upcoming November 5 elections, utilizing New York’s high-profile media landscape.

In attendance will be notable supporters, including billionaire Elon Musk, who has endorsed Trump’s campaign through his X social media platform and financial contributions, reportedly totaling $119 million. Musk has traveled across Pennsylvania on Trump’s behalf, a key battleground state, supporting efforts to drive voter turnout.

Vice President Harris Focuses on Grassroots Engagement in Pennsylvania

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris has been campaigning in Philadelphia, a vital Democratic stronghold in the must-win state of Pennsylvania. On Sunday morning, Harris spoke to attendees at the Church of Christian Compassion, focusing on themes of unity and the direction of the nation. Without mentioning Trump directly, Harris asked, “What kind of country do we want to live in?”

Her Philadelphia visit includes stops at local community centers such as a Black-owned barbershop and a Puerto Rican restaurant, where she is encouraging voter turnout. Harris’s strategy emphasizes grassroots engagement in key cities across Pennsylvania, a state that could be pivotal in the upcoming election.

Star Power and Rhetoric in Closing Campaign Days

Both campaigns are leveraging celebrity endorsements and large-scale events to energize voters in the closing days before the election. Harris recently held a rally in Houston alongside Beyoncé, drawing an estimated crowd of 30,000, and a separate event in Atlanta with musician Bruce Springsteen. She plans to continue these efforts with upcoming appearances in Wisconsin and Nevada, where she will host events with well-known musical acts such as Mumford & Sons and Mana.

Meanwhile, Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden, renowned for hosting iconic events and concerts, is a strategic effort to energize voters in New York and neighboring battleground states. The venue, with a 19,500-seat capacity, was reportedly filled to capacity for this event. Trump’s recent rallies have aimed to address voter concerns, including economic challenges and immigration policy. He has described the event as an opportunity to close his campaign “with a beautiful bang.”

Polls Show Tight Race in Battleground States

Current polling indicates a competitive race, particularly in battleground states crucial to determining the election outcome. Over 38 million votes have been cast in early voting, and both candidates are striving to secure last-minute support. Trump has been vocal about economic issues, highlighting rising prices in food, utilities, and housing, which have impacted voter sentiment. He has positioned himself as a candidate promising solutions to perceived economic mismanagement by the current administration.

Harris, in contrast, has criticized Trump’s rhetoric as divisive, suggesting that his approach is marked by “grievance” and “retribution.” She continues to emphasize her administration’s economic recovery measures, which have contributed to a comparatively strong U.S. economic performance post-COVID.

The Stakes in New York and Beyond

New York’s congressional races are of particular interest to the Republican Party, with seven competitive seats that could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Trump’s campaign hopes to strengthen Republican support in these districts while potentially swaying voters in Pennsylvania.

The Madison Square Garden rally, which could cost over $1 million to host, represents a high-stakes investment for Trump’s campaign. Tickets for the event are free on a first-come, first-served basis, similar to Harris’s rally structure in Houston.

Controversy Over Campaign Comparisons and Rhetoric

Trump’s event at Madison Square Garden has sparked comments from some critics, including former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who compared it to a 1939 pro-Nazi rally at the same location. Trump and Republican leaders have dismissed the comparison, with Trump clarifying his rally’s focus as “Make America Great Again.”

Also speaking at Trump’s rally will be Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently exited the presidential race to endorse Trump, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, and Howard Lutnick, chair and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald.

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