Harris and Trump are actively campaigning in battleground states as the highly anticipated Sept. 10 debate approaches in less than a week. The race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is neck and neck as the election enters its final 60 days. Both candidates are focusing on the final stretch of the historic election cycle, with key events like the upcoming debate, the start of early voting in many states, and Trump’s scheduled sentencing in New York looming in the background. Harris has acknowledged the tight race, describing herself as the underdog against Trump. The Trump campaign is citing favorable statistics and momentum, suggesting that Trump has the edge in the Electoral College winning odds. Recent polling shows Harris leading in some states like Michigan and Wisconsin, but the race remains a nail-biter with both candidates tied or within the margin of error in others. The battleground states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, and North Carolina are crucial, with most still categorized as toss-ups. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is considered a critical battleground. Recent polling shows the race there is too close to call. Pennsylvania’s significance is highlighted by experts who believe it could determine the outcome of the election. Both campaigns are focusing on key states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and North Carolina, recognizing their importance in securing victory in the Electoral College. The race for the presidency remains tight, with each candidate vying for crucial swing states to secure a path to victory. Cook Political Report publisher and editor-in-chief Amy Walter emphasized the importance of the next 60 days leading up to the election for both candidates. She pointed out that this period is crucial for Kamala Harris to make her case effectively to voters who may not know her well. On the other hand, the challenge for President Trump is to try to undermine Harris’s efforts to sway undecided voters. Walter highlighted that opinions of Trump are unlikely to change, but opinions of Harris could, which could ultimately influence the outcome of the election.
The upcoming debate on Sept. 10 is seen as a critical event for both candidates, especially since a significant percentage of likely voters in battleground states have indicated that they might change their minds before Election Day. The terms set by ABC for the debate, including muted microphones while the other candidate speaks, have been agreed upon by both Harris and Trump. However, there is a potential wild card in the form of Trump’s sentencing in his Manhattan criminal trial, scheduled for Sept. 18, with his attorneys seeking a postponement until after the election.
Political science professor Robert Y. Shapiro from Columbia University highlighted that Trump’s campaign needs to focus on presenting him as a better choice compared to the Biden administration’s performance, framing the election as a referendum on that. Meanwhile, Harris and the Democrats should emphasize her unique positions and ensure that the enthusiasm among Democratic supporters translates into actual votes on Election Day or during early voting.
The remaining days leading up to the election will be crucial for both candidates to make their case to voters and solidify their support. The outcome of the election may hinge on how effectively Harris and Trump navigate the challenges and opportunities presented in the coming weeks.
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