As Election Day arrives, both the Harris-Walz and Trump campaigns are pulling out all stops to secure votes in the critical battleground states that could determine the 2024 presidential race. With Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin hanging in the balance, each candidate has enlisted high-profile supporters to rally voters. Here’s how both sides are making their last push. Vice President Kamala Harris has leveraged her star power by gathering celebrity endorsements to draw attention to her campaign in the final hours. Over the weekend, Harris was joined by celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Lopez, and Cardi B to inspire voter turnout.
Jennifer Lawrence Hits the Ground in Las Vegas
Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence traveled to Las Vegas on November 1 to participate in an intensive day of campaigning. Staying comfortable in a yellow tee, loose chambray pants, and a tan suede jacket, Lawrence joined volunteers in a door-to-door canvassing effort. Her day started at the Harris campaign’s field office, where she met with Nevada Democratic Regional Organizing Director Craig Bakerjian and a group of enthusiastic volunteers.
Following the canvass launch, Lawrence joined Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen and Juanny Romero, CEO of Mothership Coffee Roasters, for a public lunch where they discussed key issues for Nevada voters, including support for small businesses and voter engagement. Lawrence then participated in a roundtable discussion with first-time voters, activists, and small business owners, covering topics such as reproductive rights and bipartisan cooperation.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Lawrence’s appearance was part of her broader support for Harris, whom she has praised for her stance on reproductive rights. “I’m voting for Kamala Harris because I think she’s an amazing candidate and I know that she will do whatever she can to protect reproductive rights,” she told People. Her endorsement is aimed at energizing voters in Nevada, a state critical to Harris’s path to victory.
Tim Walz Rallies Crowds in Michigan with Inspiring Football Analogy
Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, focused his final campaign efforts in Michigan, a swing state where he held a rally at Detroit’s Hart Plaza. Joined by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Walz spoke to a massive crowd, inspiring them with a sports metaphor. Comparing the campaign’s final stretch to the fourth quarter of a football game, he proclaimed, “We’ve got the ball, and Kamala Harris is the best quarterback on the field.”
The Detroit Youth Choir, Jon Bon Jovi, and Michael Stipe also took the stage, adding excitement and drawing a large crowd to the Harris-Walz rally. Walz emphasized the urgency of the moment, telling the crowd, “This team is running like everything is on the line because everything is on the line.”
Trump’s Final Rally in Pennsylvania and Michigan
As Harris and Walz made their last appeals to voters, former President Donald Trump was also holding final rallies in Pennsylvania and Michigan, key states he hopes will lead him to victory. In Pittsburgh, Trump delivered what he called his “closing message” to an energized crowd before moving on to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Trump Brings Family and Celebrity Endorsements to the Stage
In Pittsburgh, Trump was joined on stage by family members and announced that he had secured an endorsement from podcaster Joe Rogan. Right-wing pundit Megyn Kelly also joined the rally. Trump’s speeches stretched late into the night, with the former president finally concluding his Michigan rally after 2:00 a.m.
While Trump’s lengthy speeches have been standard, some of his supporters and campaign insiders reportedly expressed frustration with his remarks, according to The Independent. His speeches, however, remain popular with his base, who view his style as an emblem of his commitment.
Spotlight on Pennsylvania: The Crucial Battleground
Much like in the 2020 election, Pennsylvania is emerging as a key state that could determine the outcome of the race. Both Harris and Trump have campaigned extensively in Pennsylvania in the final days, aware that the state’s electoral votes could be decisive.
Harris concluded her campaign in Philadelphia with celebrity supporters including Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey. The Trump campaign also ended with a focus on Pennsylvania, rallying in Pittsburgh, where Trump aimed to rally his base for a strong turnout.
Early Voting Begins with Dixville Notch Tradition
The first votes of Election Day were cast just after midnight in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, a tradition spanning over 60 years. This symbolic first vote was split evenly between Harris and Trump, setting the tone for a closely watched Election Day.
Final Thoughts: Every Vote Counts in the Battleground States
As Americans head to the polls, both campaigns are focused on voter turnout in these critical states. The Harris-Walz team hopes that their appeal to younger voters, female voters, and small business supporters will carry them through in key states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Trump’s base remains energized, particularly in Pennsylvania and Michigan, where he’s banking on strong support to counteract his opponent’s ground game.
With all eyes on these battleground states, the outcome will hinge on turnout, and both campaigns are fighting for every vote in the final hours. Election Day promises to be a nail-biter as Americans await the results.
