Historic U.S. Presidential Race Nears Final Day as Trump and Harris Vie for Victory

As the U.S. presidential election approaches its final day on Monday, the campaigns of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are working to secure every possible vote. Both camps view this election as a pivotal moment for the nation, and despite months of turmoil and divisive rhetoric, the race remains tight, with polls showing a close margin nationally and in key battleground states.

A Tumultuous Lead-Up

This election cycle has been marked by unprecedented events that have kept the country on edge. Trump, the 78-year-old Republican candidate, survived two assassination attempts—one narrowly missing him—following his conviction as the first former president found guilty of a felony. These dramatic events have intensified the attention on his campaign. Meanwhile, Harris, 60, joined the Democratic ticket in July after President Joe Biden, 81, withdrew from the race following a challenging debate performance. Harris now stands poised to make history as the first female president of the United States.

Mobilization Efforts on Both Sides

With more than 77 million votes already cast, Monday will be a critical day for both campaigns as they work to mobilize remaining supporters. Harris’s campaign has focused on door-to-door outreach in battleground states, aiming to connect with women, young voters, and communities of color. “We’re feeling perfect about where we are right now,” said campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, noting a surge in early voting within Democratic-leaning demographics.

Trump’s campaign, meanwhile, has zeroed in on reaching ‘low propensity’ voters—individuals who typically abstain from elections. With the support of super PACs, his team is aiming to increase turnout among this demographic, framing it as a targeted and cost-effective strategy.

Messaging in the Final Stretch

The final days of campaigning have seen a sharp escalation in rhetoric. Trump continues to emphasize claims of fraud surrounding the 2020 election, framing his campaign as a battle for “retribution” and accusing Democrats of being the “enemy within.” Over the weekend, he spoke about security concerns at his rallies, remarking that he wouldn’t mind if the media served as his “shield.”

In contrast, Harris has positioned herself as a protector of democracy, delivering a message of unity and optimism. Speaking at a Detroit church, she shared a hopeful vision: “As I travel, I see Americans from so-called red states to so-called blue states who are ready to bend the arc of history toward justice.”

Key Voter Concerns and Campaign Promises

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that threats to democracy and economic concerns are high among voters’ priorities. Trump has centered his messaging on economic issues, pledging tax cuts, inflation control, and increased domestic manufacturing. “We’re going to cut your taxes, end inflation, slash your prices, raise your wages, and bring thousands of factories back to America,” he promised at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania, the largest battleground state, remains a focal point for both candidates as they vie for its 19 electoral votes. Trump’s Monday itinerary includes stops in Raleigh, North Carolina; Reading and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Grand Rapids, Michigan, before he returns to Palm Beach, Florida, to vote. Harris will also concentrate on Pennsylvania, with appearances planned in Allentown, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

A Nail-Biting Finish

Election analysts predict that Harris needs roughly 45 electoral votes from key battlegrounds to secure the White House, while Trump would need approximately 51 if each candidate holds their current leads in favored states. With historic voter turnout and a deeply divided electorate, this election is set to be one of the most closely observed in U.S. history. As both campaigns make their final appeals, Americans prepare for a decision that could shape the country’s future trajectory.