North Carolina: With just two days remaining until Election Day, United States presidential candidates Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are ramping up their efforts in southern swing states, seeking to galvanise support among voters.
On Saturday, both candidates converged on North Carolina, marking the fourth consecutive day they have campaigned in the same state. Previously, they held events in Nevada and Wisconsin, highlighting the intense competition for crucial votes in battleground states projected to be tightly contested.
During his speech in Gastonia, Trump emphasised the significance of North Carolina, asserting that, “We win this state, we’re gonna win the whole ball game. We won it twice before, and we’re gonna win it easily.”
Trump reiterated claims of electoral “cheating” during the 2020 presidential election, as he outlined his strategy to reclaim the state.
Conversely, Harris addressed supporters in Atlanta, Georgia, stating that the upcoming election presents an opportunity to “turn the page on a decade of Donald Trump.” She focused on her commitment to improving living standards, stating that, “This is not someone speaking about how to make your life better.”
In her rally, Harris aimed to unite voters with promises of a middle-class tax cut and measures to reduce the cost of living.
The campaign landscape has become increasingly charged as both parties exchange barbs on critical issues such as the economy and immigration. Recently, the Democrats criticised US House Speaker Mike Johnson for suggesting that the GOP might cut government subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing if they win, although Johnson later clarified that his comments were intended to indicate a desire to “streamline” the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which has provided substantial funding for US computer chip production.
In national polling, Harris holds a slight lead overall. However, Trump is showing strength in key swing states, leading in Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, while Harris maintains narrow leads in Michigan and Wisconsin. Pennsylvania and Nevada are reported as too close to call.
As millions prepare to cast their votes, early voting has already seen significant turnout, with over 72 million ballots cast as of Saturday. According to a tracker maintained by the University of Florida, more than half of all voters are expected to vote before Election Day on November 5.
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