US election: Trump, Harris head to North Carolina

World Sunday 03/November/2024 07:17 AM
By: DW
US election: Trump, Harris head to North Carolina

New York: Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are vying for votes in the southeastern battleground state of North Carolina as the campaign enters its final weekend.

People in Chicago took part in what was billed as a "Women's March" on Saturday, three days before the US elections where the Democratic Party is hoping to score points on issues like abortion rights.

Carrying placards with slogans like "I'm with her" and "not going back," protesters in the Democratic stronghold expressed support for candidate Kamala Harris.

Flags made for the event summed up a series of policy areas where Democrats are trying to differentiate themselves from Republicans, by no means limited to women's issues.

"Embrace diversity, empower women, fight injustice, protect the environment, celebrate love, support choice, welcome immigrants," the flags said, in reference to issues including abortion rights, LGBTQ+ issues and migration. 

Trump says suburbs 'under attack' at North Carolina event

At a rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, former US President Donald Trump said he would deport millions of immigrants if elected.

He also warned residents of US suburbs, traditionally seen as a refuge from crime and other dangers, that those places were under threat from violent crime, despite violent crimes dropping in the US last year.

"The suburbs are under attack right now. When you're home in your house alone, and you've got this monster that got out of prison, you know, six charges of murdering six different people. I think you'd rather have Trump," he said.

He also claimed that the economy had been damaged since his time as president, but that he could put things right.

"I stand before you today as the only candidate who can rescue our economy. This is a, a really bad thing that's happened. From obliteration, restored to strength, prosperity and greatness."

"I will never apologize for defending America. I will protect our workers. I will protect our jobs. I will protect our borders. I will protect our family. I will protect our women. I'm going to protect our women."

North Carolina was hit hard by Hurricane Helene late in September, with recovery efforts lasting well into October. Already considered a battleground state, both candidates laid additional focus on the area in the aftermath of the damage.

Harris vows 'to be a president for all Americans' at Atlanta rally

US Vice President Kamala Harris has repeated the assertion that her opponent Donald Trump would bring an "enemies list" into the Oval Office if elected whereas she would come with a "to-do list."

Speaking at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, Harris also promised to lower the cost of living for US citizens and repeated her pledge to be a president for all of them.

"Just imagine if he is elected on day one. Donald Trump would walk in that Oval Office with his enemies list, stewing over an enemies list. When I am elected, I will walk in on your behalf with my to-do list. My to-do list. And at the top of my list is bringing down the cost of living for you."

Singer-songwriter Victoria Monet and the rapper Monica Denise Arnold were among the celebrity speakers at the event in the southern state.

Harris also warned that Trump was seeking "unchecked power" and said that this could become a reality "in less than 90 days" when the handover of power takes place.

"I don't believe that people who disagree with me are the enemy," said Harris. "He wants to put them in jail. I will give them a seat at the table. That's what real leaders do. That's what strong leaders do. And I pledge to you to always put country above party and self. And I pledge to you to be a president for all Americans."

US President Joe Biden has returned to his childhood home for a final campaign stop in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Biden is seeking to use his local sway in a critical part of the important swing state of Pennsylvania, which Democratic candidate Harris will likely need to win to beat former President Donald Trump.

The president rallied union workers, a constituency with whom he enjoys popularity, in the town where he grew up before his family moved to Delaware.

"I'm so proud to be back," Biden said, launching into familiar remarks about his and Harris' support for unions. He spoke of his pride at having been the first president to walk a picket line.

"A lot of politicians have trouble you saying the word union, but I'm not one of them. By the way, neither is Kamala. I wouldn't have chosen her for vice president if she had that trouble," he said.

Biden was joined on stage at one point by his granddaughter Natalie, and several people in the crowd waved posters saying "Thank you Joe," which first began circulating after the outgoing president bowed out of the campaign to make space for Harris.

Speaking about Trump, Biden alleged that the former president might abolish the Affordable Care Act healthcare program if elected.

"He wants to take away the Affordable Health Care Act. That would have a devastating impact on the kids you grew up with, the people you grew up with. Don't forget where you came from. Don't forget who you were with. I mean it, I'm not joking."