Donald Trump and Kamala Harris continue their pitches to voters in North Carolina this week, with Election Day only days away. This battleground state, with its 16 Electoral College votes, has supported Republican presidential candidates for over a decade and remains pivotal for Trump’s victory path. Both candidates are closely watched in this state after hurricane damage last month left many rural communities, often Republican, recovering and awaiting relief.
Trump, with a rally in Rocky Mount, is addressing economic issues and trade policies that directly impact the state’s working-class citizens, reinforcing his “America First” strategy. He spoke bluntly about foreign trade, singling out the European Union: “They’re brutal… they sell millions of cars here, and they are going to have to pay a big price.” His stance echoes his promise to protect American industries and jobs from foreign exploitation.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, who recently held her largest rally in Washington, focuses on the theme of turning the page on Trump’s presidency. At that rally, she warned of the “dangers” of Trump’s leadership, referencing his comments to supporters on January 6. However, Harris’s record and her stance on issues like NATO funding, increased taxes, and restrictions on traditional energy industries may not sit well with many North Carolina voters.
President Biden also recently stirred controversy, with the Trump campaign accusing him of calling Trump supporters “garbage” following a rally in New York. Biden later clarified, claiming his comments targeted the “language” used, though Trump supporters remain critical of what they see as contempt toward their values.
In the hurricane-hit areas of North Carolina, residents continue struggling to rebuild. Federal relief has faced criticism and slow progress, leaving many feeling neglected. Some Republicans, like Rep. Andy Harris, suggest legislative action to prevent potential “disenfranchisement” of voters due to storm-related challenges. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, countered this, insisting the votes “will be reflected by the ballot box,” a statement sparking debates on election integrity.
Current polling shows Trump narrowly leading Harris in North Carolina, though if margins remain tight, it may be days before a final result is confirmed. North Carolinians are already showing strong interest in the election, with over a third of registered voters casting ballots early. With Trump’s continued appeal to North Carolina’s working-class communities, his rallies are energized, while Harris’s campaign attempts to rally urban voters.
On Wednesday, Harris heads to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, two other swing states. Trump will rally in Wisconsin as well, alongside NFL legend Brett Favre, aiming to solidify his broad support from working Americans.
