Election Final Push: Trump and Harris Rally Their Supporters in Different Ways
As the final hours before Election Day 2024 approached, both Donald J. Trump and Kamala Harris made their last frantic trips to key battleground states, with both campaigns zeroing in on Pennsylvania, a state with 19 electoral votes that could decide the election. The candidates, however, presented voters with two very different moods and messages.
Competing Messages: Dark vs. Hopeful
Donald J. Trump, once again aiming for the White House, painted a picture of a country in danger, warning about issues like immigration and Democratic policies. His speeches, given to crowds in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, often focused on fear for the country’s future. Standing before tired supporters, Trump looked worn out as he described a nation on the verge of collapse – but still held out hope that his win would save the day.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris aimed to lift her supporters’ spirits. At rallies in Pennsylvania cities like Scranton, Allentown, and Pittsburgh, and a final event in Philadelphia, Harris shared an upbeat message. She spoke about the economy, restoring federal abortion rights, and bringing the country together, promising that “We’re not going back” to the chaotic politics of the past. Harris said, “Americans are tired and ready for a fresh start.”
Pennsylvania: A Critical State for Both
Both Harris and Trump knew that Pennsylvania could make or break their chances of winning.
For Harris, her campaign put a lot of time and effort into winning over voters in Philadelphia, where a large voter turnout could help her achieve victory. She appeared alongside Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and even Oprah Winfrey, who made an incredibly strong call for people to vote, warning that democracy was at risk if people didn’t show up to the polls.
On the flip side, Trump’s campaign returned to Reading, PA where Trump called undocumented immigrants “mentally ill criminals.” He continued to make bold accusations against Democrats, calling them “evil” and stirring fears about their influence.
Energy Levels
Down the stretch, the difference between the two candidates’ energy levels was striking.
Trump, who has been campaigning for a long stretch starting in 2022, seemed visibly tired, even as he attempted to energize smaller-than-usual crowds at his rallies. By the time Trump made it to his final rally in Michigan, he recovered some of his energy, but not before many moments where he seemed worn down by the process.
Harris, on the other hand, was energetic and focused, despite months of intense travel and speeches. She spent her time appealing for unity and offering a vision of hope and optimism.
“The measure of a true leader is based not on who you beat down,” she said. “It is based on who you lift up.”
Campaigns’ Supporters Push Hard
Both sides of the election relied heavily on their supporters and famous surrogates to reach more voters.
- Harris’s campaign was supported by Fat Joe, whose passionate speech in Allentown tried to drive more Latino voters to her team. “Where’s your pride?” he asked fellow Latinos, trying to awaken a sense of urgency regarding the direction of the country.
- Trump was joined by Roberto Clemente Jr., the son of the legendary Puerto Rican baseball player, in Pittsburgh, in an effort to build support in the Latino community. However, Trump had previously faced backlash for making offensive comments about Puerto Rico.
A Tight Race
Polls reveal that the election race remains incredibly close, with many crucial battleground states showing a tie or only a slim lead for either candidate in the final polls before Election Day.
Both Trump and Harris made their closing arguments, trying to convince Americans who were still undecided. The result was expected to come down to voter turnout, especially in hard-fought states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina.
A Final Push for Both Candidates
Trump’s final events included repeating familiar themes like complaints against the news media, blaming Democrats for the country’s difficulties, and making unfounded claims of potential fraud in the election process. His speeches wandered into off-topic stories, and he even made sexist remarks about Nancy Pelosi, hinting at a vulgar insult but saying, “It starts with a b, but I won’t say it.”
Meanwhile, Harris kept her focus on hope. She spoke to crowds about creating a better future for all Americans, urging them to see their fellow Americans not as enemies, but as neighbors. Harris encouraged people to show up and vote, building on themes of optimism and unity, and making subtle contrasts to Trump without mentioning his name directly.
High Stakes
Both campaigns understood how important the 2024 election was, not just for the presidency but for setting the country’s direction.
Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, stated that the campaign would declare victory as soon as they were confident in reaching the 270 electoral votes required to win. Despite this, no one could forget that Trump never conceded his loss in the 2020 election, and the path ahead seemed uncertain.
For millions of Americans, decisions made during the final hours of this campaign and on Election Day itself could shape the country’s future for years to come.
Harris wrapped up her campaign with words of confidence: “Our campaign has brought together people from all corners of this nation and from all walks of life, united by our love for our country and our faith in a brighter, stronger, and more hopeful future that we will build together.”
As both sides dug in for the final push, one thing was certain: the election’s outcome would soon be decided, but the road ahead was as divided as ever.