Dfinal campaign meetings before a crucial vote. The American presidential elections experienced their last moments this Monday evening, November 4, a few hours before the opening of the polling stations and a vote that promises to be historic. To conclude this breathtaking campaign, with an uncertain outcome between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the American vice president and Democratic candidate went to Philadelphia, in the key state of Pennsylvania.
“This could be one of the closest elections in history. Every voice counts,” Kamala Harris warned on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. “I am ready to become president of the United States […] America is ready for a new beginning,” assured the vice president, who replaced senior leader Joe Biden at short notice in July, and who could become the first woman to lead the United States.
“We have the opportunity to finally turn the page on a decade of political project driven by fear and division. We have had enough,” he also said, without naming the person to whom this message is addressed, his Republican rival Donald Trump. As in her previous speeches, Kamala Harris mixed calls for unity with promises of social justice and addressed women’s rights, including abortion.
For her last major campaign rally, the Democrat surrounded herself with several personalities, including Ricky Martin, Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga. Earlier in the day, singer Katy Perry sang on stage, alongside Kamala Harris, in the city of Pittsburgh.
Taking America “to new heights”
Donald Trump also traveled to Pittsburgh this Monday before holding his last campaign meeting in Michigan, late into the night. The 78-year-old Republican vowed to “lead America and the world” to “new heights.” “With your vote tomorrow, we can solve every problem facing our country and take America and the world to new heights of glory,” he told supporters gathered in Grand Rapids.
The entire crowd just informed Trump that it is now officially Election Day.
Trump: ”Assuming we can win tomorrow…”
Crowd: ”IT’S TODAY. TODAY. TODAY.”
Trump: “Oh, it’s today.”
This is a really beautiful moment. pic.twitter.com/hECEECoLhf
— George (@BehizyTweets) November 5, 2024
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Donald Trump also highlighted his favorite themes, namely strengthening border security, while attacking the economic record of the Biden-Harris years. Before his speech, two Muslim mayors in the region expressed their support for the Republican candidate, the mayor of Hamtramck, Amer Ghalib, and the mayor of Dearborn Heights, Bill Bazzi, until now Democrats.
Full of confidence, Donald Trump has assured several times that he is “in a great position” to win. For several weeks he has been laying the groundwork for a challenge, accusing Democrats of “cheating.” He also felt he “shouldn’t have left” the White House after losing to Joe Biden.
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to our special interview segment where we discuss the key moments leading up to the crucial presidential election happening today. With us is political analyst Dr. Julia Sparks, an expert in American political campaigns. Julia, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Julia Sparks: Thank you for having me. It’s a thrilling time in American politics.
Time.news Editor: Just hours before the polls open, we saw Vice President Kamala Harris delivering a passionate speech in Philadelphia. She emphasized the importance of every vote and the potential for a “new beginning” for America. In your opinion, how crucial are these final moments in a campaign?
Dr. Julia Sparks: They are absolutely critical! The final campaign events often serve as a last rallying cry for candidates and their supporters. Harris’s message of unity and social justice is designed to energize her base while also appealing to undecided voters. She’s not just speaking to her supporters but trying to resonate with a broader audience.
Time.news Editor: And what about Donald Trump’s closing rally in Michigan? He appeared to focus on the promise of leading America “to new heights.” How do you interpret his rhetoric at this stage?
Dr. Julia Sparks: Trump’s rhetoric is reflective of his campaign style—he often positions himself as a problem-solver and a leader who delivers on promises. By framing the election as a path to “new heights,” he’s tapping into a sense of hope and ambition that his supporters can rally around. Additionally, it provides a stark contrast to Harris’s themes of overcoming fear and division.
Time.news Editor: Harris had several high-profile celebrities supporting her, from Ricky Martin to Lady Gaga. How significant are these endorsements at this final stage?
Dr. Julia Sparks: Celebrity endorsements can have a powerful impact, especially on younger voters. They bring additional visibility and can help campaigns connect on a cultural level. By surrounding herself with well-known figures, Harris is leveraging pop culture to galvanize enthusiasm and attract media attention, which is critical in these closing hours.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen moments of lightheartedness, too, like Trump’s interaction with his supporters where they reminded him it was actually Election Day. How do you see humor playing into campaign strategies at this level?
Dr. Julia Sparks: Humor and spontaneity can humanize candidates, making them more relatable. However, it’s a double-edged sword. While a lighthearted moment can endear a candidate to voters, it can also be scrutinized if it appears dismissive of the gravity of the situation. Trump’s interaction reflects his informal style, but it also highlights the importance of staying focused in such a critical moment.
Time.news Editor: As we head into today’s vote, what do you foresee in terms of voter turnout? The stakes are certainly high.
Dr. Julia Sparks: I anticipate a record turnout. The heightened emotions surrounding this election, combined with key issues like social justice, women’s rights, and the economy, have mobilized many voters. This election is particularly historic with the potential of electing the first female president, which adds to the urgency for many.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sparks, for your insights as we approach what promises to be a historic vote. We appreciate you sharing your expertise.
Dr. Julia Sparks: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope that whatever the outcome, it leads to meaningful dialogue and progress for our nation.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Enjoy the excitement of Election Day!