With just nine days until Election Day in the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are intensifying efforts to secure votes in crucial battleground states, with polls indicating a close race.
On Saturday, Trump campaigned for Arab-American and Muslim voters in Michigan, a key swing state with nearly 400,000 voters of Arab descent. Although Michigan voted for Biden in 2020, concerns over the situation in Gaza and Lebanon could impact Democratic turnout, presenting a challenge for Harris.
Michigan is one of seven competitive states expected to determine the election outcome. Along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Michigan forms the “Blue Wall” that could be pivotal for Harris. Harris also visited Michigan on Saturday, cautioning voters that Trump would wield “unchecked and extreme power” if re-elected.
Latest Election Polling Updates
A recent Emerson College poll released Saturday shows Harris and Trump tied at 49 percent each. Conducted from October 23-24, the survey indicates a narrowing gap since last week when Harris held a 1-point lead. This is the first time since August that Harris hasn’t led in Emerson’s weekly polls.
“Male voters are breaking for Trump by a 13-point margin, 55 percent to 42 percent, a larger lead than in 2020, while women favor Harris by 10 points, 54 percent to 44 percent, which is lower than Biden’s 2020 support,” said Spencer Kimball, Emerson’s polling director.
The poll also found that, regardless of their preferred candidate, 50 percent of American voters expect Trump to win, while 49 percent believe Harris will secure the presidency.
Top issues for voters include the economy (45 percent), immigration (14 percent), threats to democracy (14 percent), abortion access (7 percent), healthcare (6 percent), and crime (4 percent).
Meanwhile, FiveThirtyEight’s national polling average shows Harris leading Trump 47.9 to 46.6 percent. Harris’s unfavorable rating edged up to 47.8 percent, while Trump’s was higher at 52.1 percent.
Kamala Harris’s Campaign on Saturday
Harris rallied in Michigan alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama, who highlighted Harris’s qualifications and contrasted her with Trump on issues like character and experience. Obama warned that Trump’s policies could further restrict abortion rights and dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which she said affects “the entirety of women’s health.”
During her speech, Harris was interrupted by a protester chanting “No more Gaza war.” After the crowd quieted, Harris responded, “On the topic of Gaza, we must end that war,” before urging voters to move beyond fear and division.
Donald Trump’s Campaign on Saturday
Trump also campaigned in Michigan, meeting with Muslim preachers and asserting that he deserved their support, promising to bring peace to the Middle East. Despite his strong backing for Israel and previous policies restricting immigration from some Muslim-majority countries, Trump has gained support from some Muslim Americans frustrated with current Democratic policies in Gaza.
At a rally in Novi, Imam Belal Alzuhairi of the Islamic Center of Detroit encouraged Muslim voters to support Trump due to his “promise of peace.” However, Trump’s comments also included a critique of Detroit, describing it as resembling a “developing nation” in need of help, a statement aimed at appealing to suburban voters.
What’s Next for the Campaigns
Harris will spend Sunday in Philadelphia, focusing on voter outreach across the city, including predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods. She is scheduled to attend services and address a congregation at a Black church in West Philadelphia, as well as meet with young Black men and community leaders.
Trump, meanwhile, is set to host a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This event in his hometown offers him a national platform, despite the city’s Democratic leanings. High-profile supporters, including Elon Musk, who has financially backed Trump’s campaign, are expected to join him.
