Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris clashed across pivotal swing states on Saturday, marking the final weekend of the most intense US election in modern history. The Democrat urged voters to 'turn the page' on the Republican's divisive political tactics. With 75 million early ballots already cast, the nation—and the world—awaits the Election Day climax on Tuesday, uncertain whether Harris will become the first female US president or if Trump will reclaim power after his tumultuous campaign to overturn his 2020 defeat.
The two candidates literally crossed paths in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Harris's official Air Force Two and Trump's personal jet shared the airport tarmac. Both held rallies in North Carolina, with Harris also addressing supporters in Georgia, one of the seven swing states crucial to victory. Trump added a stop in Virginia to his itinerary. The high-stakes speeches continued on Sunday, with Harris scheduled for multiple events in Michigan and Trump rallying in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Most polls indicate a close race, with Trump, 78, and Harris, 60, within the margin of error across swing states. However, Harris received a boost from a recent Des Moines Register poll showing her three points ahead in Iowa—a state Trump won convincingly in both 2016 and 2020. In a strategic move, Harris's plane made an unplanned stop in New York for an appearance on Saturday Night Live. Harris emphasized the importance of women voters, particularly those angered by the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.
In Atlanta, Harris warned that 'Donald Trump's not done. He will ban abortion nationwide,' portraying Trump as 'increasingly unstable, obsessed with revenge' and 'out for unchecked power.' Meanwhile, Trump, appealing to his right-wing base, delivered increasingly ominous rhetoric. In Salem, Virginia, he began with a message of hope but quickly returned to his apocalyptic vision, calling Harris 'low IQ' and 'stupid,' and predicting economic depression under her leadership.
Trump has actively courted male voters, appearing on martial arts podcasts and visiting barbershops. With Harris gaining support from women, a significant gender gap is anticipated in the results. Thousands demonstrated in Washington for a Women's March on Saturday. Trump's refusal to commit to accepting a loss has sparked fears of unrest, prompting businesses in the US capital to board up storefronts.
Trump is already alleging fraud in swing states like Pennsylvania, echoing his 2020 claims. On Saturday, he claimed he could win in Virginia, despite no polls supporting this, and suggested heavily Democratic California would vote for him 'if we had an honest election.' The candidates' hectic schedules will culminate on Monday with late-night rallies in Grand Rapids, Michigan for Trump and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for Harris.
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