As the 2024 U.S. presidential race intensifies, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are concentrating their efforts in key battleground states, with Trump campaigning in the West while Harris targets Pennsylvania in the East. Both candidates are making their case to voters as Election Day draws closer, with fundraising and rally stops dominating their schedules.
On Friday, Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference at his Los Angeles-area golf club before traveling to northern California for a high-profile fundraiser. His day will conclude with a rally in Las Vegas, a critical city in swing-state Nevada. Harris, meanwhile, will spend her second consecutive day rallying in Pennsylvania, focusing on Johnstown and Wilkes-Barre, building on momentum she gained from her strong performance in Tuesday night's debate.
Harris Gains Momentum After Debate
Harris capitalized on her debate performance, mocking Trump for his lack of a concrete health care plan, which she described as “concepts” rather than an actual strategy. "Concepts. No actual plan. Concepts," she repeated to an enthusiastic crowd during a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, earlier in the week. Her campaign announced a staggering $47 million raised from 600,000 donors in the 24 hours following the debate, underscoring her growing support among voters.
Despite Harris' calls for another debate, Trump has declined to participate in any additional face-offs with the vice president, signaling a reluctance to revisit their heated exchange.
Trump Focuses on Fundraising and Campaigning in the West
Trump’s itinerary on Friday includes a significant fundraiser in Woodside, California, hosted by billionaire software developer Tom Siebel and his wife. The event has drawn major donors, with ticket prices ranging from $3,300 to $500,000 for a spot on the host committee. This follows a similar high-dollar fundraiser on Thursday, as Trump attempts to narrow the fundraising gap between his campaign and Harris’.
Harris has proven to be a formidable fundraiser, bringing in $361 million in August, dwarfing Trump’s $130 million for the same period. Her campaign entered September with $109 million more cash on hand than Trump's, giving her a financial advantage as the race enters its final stretch.
Trump’s Western campaign stops are strategically aimed at Nevada, a state he narrowly lost in both 2016 and 2020. He is focused on appealing to voters in Las Vegas, where much of the service economy depends on tips. Last month, he promoted a proposal to eliminate federal taxes on workers' tips, and on Thursday he introduced a new plan to eliminate taxes on overtime pay, hoping to resonate with working-class voters.
Nevada as a Key Battleground
Both candidates are pouring resources into Nevada, a state they see as pivotal. Trump’s rally in downtown Las Vegas will mark his third visit to the city since June. His running mate, Sen. JD Vance, has also campaigned in the state, holding an event in suburban Henderson earlier this summer.
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have made similar efforts in Nevada, with a joint rally last month in Las Vegas. Walz returned to the state on Tuesday, reflecting the importance both campaigns place on winning over Nevada voters.
A Tight Race in Critical States
With both candidates targeting swing states like Pennsylvania and Nevada, the 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Pennsylvania, a state that helped decide the 2020 election, remains a focal point for Harris, who is doubling down on her efforts to secure its 19 electoral votes. Meanwhile, Trump is betting on his Western strategy, hoping to flip key states like Nevada back into the Republican column.
As the campaign trail heats up, both candidates are pulling out all the stops to connect with voters and secure their support in the final months leading up to November’s election.
