WASHINGTON: Democratic US presidential candidate Kamala Harris will rally on Thursday with Liz Cheney, a staunch Republican critic of Donald Trump, as both Harris and former president Trump hit crucial Midwestern swing states.
Donald Trump is on the campaign trail in Michigan following his wife Melania added more spice to an already tense race by defending abortion, in stark contrast to her husband’s position on the key issue.
Harris and Cheney’s joint appearance comes as Trump embarks on a campaign stop in Saginaw, Michigan, a key battleground county he won in 2016 but lost narrowly to Joe Biden in 2020.
The Rust Belt states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania are pivotal for both candidates, making them focal points in the upcoming election that is anticipated to be closely contested.
During her rally, Harris aims to appeal to Republicans who may be disenchanted with Trump’s divisive rhetoric, particularly on contentious issues such as abortion, migration, and democracy.
Cheney, who was one of only ten Republicans to vote for Trump’s impeachment following the January 6 Capitol attacks, has publicly endorsed Harris, signaling a significant shift for the former congresswoman and her family, including her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Harris expressed her gratitude for the Cheneys’ endorsements, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the country over party loyalty in these turbulent political times. She stated in September, “These endorsements show the need to put country over party.”
Meanwhile, Trump is capitalizing on the economic concerns of working-class voters in Saginaw, a region that has felt the effects of globalization. The Trump campaign said that his remarks would focus on economic issues, though his recent speeches have often veered off course to include personal attacks on rivals, particularly those who have opposed him.
In a surprising twist, Trump’s wife, Melania, added fuel to the fire by defending a woman’s right to choose in her upcoming memoir. She stated, “Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body.”
This stance directly contradicts Trump’s own position, raising questions about the dynamics within the Trump campaign. The Harris campaign swiftly responded, highlighting the disparity between Melania Trump’s views and her husband’s, asserting, “Sadly for the women across America, Mrs. Trump’s husband firmly disagrees with her.”
Harris holds a narrow lead in Michigan, but the fluctuating polls indicate that any swing state could tip either way. With just 33 days left until the election, both campaigns are gearing up for a fierce battle to sway undecided voters.
While Harris rallies with Cheney, President Biden is focusing on disaster response, visiting areas in Florida and Georgia affected by Hurricane Helene, which has claimed nearly 200 lives.
