Trump and Harris Battle for Swing States as Obama Rallies Support in Tight Race
Thursday was a day focused on key battleground states—Nevada, Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Arizona—as Republican and Democratic presidential candidates raced to gain the edge.
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, was in Michigan, promising solutions to what he described as the state’s “failing” automotive sector. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris was in Nevada, working to rally Latino voters behind her campaign.
In Pennsylvania, a state that could determine the election’s outcome, the BBC hosted a special US edition of Question Time, where voters and panelists debated issues including Trump’s legal troubles and how both Harris and President Joe Biden have managed immigration. Barack Obama also made an appearance in the state, using a rally to criticize Trump and endorse Harris as a candidate for change.
On the ground, our reporters spoke with voters, including Kari Holmes, a pastor in eastern Pennsylvania. Holmes said she felt the weight of her vote in such a crucial swing state, and emphasized the importance of turnout among Latino and Black voters in her community.
Tomorrow promises more election coverage, so stay tuned for updates.
Poll Update
As of now, Kamala Harris is slightly ahead of Donald Trump in national polls. Since joining the race in late July, Harris has maintained a lead, but the gap is narrow. National polls, however, aren’t the best indicator of who might win, as the outcome hinges on the electoral college, where key battleground states hold significant influence.
In crucial states, Harris leads in Nevada, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, while Trump is ahead in Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona.
The Stakes in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, voters are feeling the importance of their role in this election. Kari Holmes, working hard to ensure voter turnout in her community, emphasized the significance of the vote for people of color in her state.
Meanwhile, in Nevada, Harris attended a town hall hosted by Univision, discussing major topics like immigration and healthcare. She even managed to say something positive about her opponent, stating that Trump “loves his family.”
As Harris heads to Arizona next, Trump focused his efforts in Michigan, attacking the Biden-Harris administration on issues related to the automotive industry.
The Obama Effect
At a rally in Pennsylvania, former President Obama delivered a rousing speech, emphasizing character and integrity, and drawing sharp contrasts between Harris and Trump. He targeted Trump’s handling of the economy and abortion rights, referring to the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. Obama’s endorsement of Harris painted her as the true candidate for change, and he urged voters to recognize the stakes in this election.
The atmosphere in the crowd was electric, with Obama’s speech resonating deeply, leaving the audience energized. “It’s not just about policies. It’s about values,” Obama declared, urging voters to show up on Election Day.
Audience Reactions
At the BBC’s Question Time taping in Pennsylvania, the debate sparked strong opinions. Some, like Kim Pelletier, firmly supported Trump, seeing him as the right choice to defend the nation. Others, like University of Pennsylvania student Evan Stubbs, remained undecided but found Harris to be a “safer choice,” particularly on issues of character.
The episode concluded on a high note, leaving much for voters to consider as they weigh their options in the final weeks leading up to November.
