WASHINGTON DC: The U.S. presidential election, unprecedented in its intensity, is approaching its final day, with Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and their teams mobilizing efforts to encourage voter turnout.
The nation is sharply divided, reflected in the seven crucial battleground states that are likely to determine the election outcome on Tuesday, international news agencies said.
Trump, a 78-year-old Republican, has recently survived two assassination attempts and made history as the first former U.S. president convicted of a felony after a New York jury’s verdict.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, 60, rose to lead the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden, 81, faced backlash following a poor debate performance, leading to his withdrawal from the race.
Current polling indicates a tight race between Harris and Trump, both nationally and in battleground states.
Over 78 million voters have already cast their ballots, as reported by the Election Lab at the University of Florida.
In these closing days, both campaigns are saturating social media and traditional media with advertisements, in addition to extensive grassroots efforts through door-to-door canvassing and phone banking.
Harris’s team asserts that their extensive voter outreach is making a significant impact, with volunteers knocking on hundreds of thousands of doors across battleground states.
Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon expressed confidence in their position, citing internal data suggesting that undecided voters, especially women, are leaning toward them.
They have also noted an increase in early voting among young voters and voters of color.
Conversely, Trump’s campaign has largely delegated its canvassing efforts to outside super PACs, which can raise unlimited funds.
Their strategy focuses on reaching “low propensity” voters—those who typically do not vote, but have previously supported Trump.
By strategically targeting these individuals, Trump’s team believes they can effectively increase turnout.
In addition to the presidential race, U.S. voters will be electing numerous local, state, and federal officials and deciding on important referendums, including all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, one-third of the Senate, 11 gubernatorial elections, and abortion rights in ten states.
Trump has vowed “retribution” against his political opponents, labeling Democrats as the “enemy within.”
During a rally on Sunday, he commented on the security around him and the lengths an assassin would need to go through to reach him.
Meanwhile, Harris portrayed Trump as a threat to democracy while expressing hope for the future, saying, “I see Americans from so-called red states to so-called blue states who are ready to bend the arc of history towards justice.”
Trump believes key issues such as immigration, the economy, and rising costs will propel him to victory.
On the last day of campaigning, he will visit three battleground states, stating, “This is really the end of a journey, but a new one will be starting.”
He urged supporters to “get out and vote” as he expressed optimism about leading in the race.
Harris began her final campaign day in Scranton, Pennsylvania, encouraging volunteers to embrace the moment and emphasizing teamwork in their efforts.
She plans to visit Allentown, Reading, and Pittsburgh, highlighting the importance of engaging the Puerto Rican electorate. Her evening rally in Pittsburgh will feature performances by artists like DJ D-Nice and Katy Perry, culminating in a rally at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, known for the “Rocky Steps.”
(Inputs from agencies)
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