Harris and Trump Make a Campaign Detour to Texas
This combination of pictures created on September 10, 2024 shows former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (L) and US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris participating in a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. ©Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are departing from the well-trodden paths of key battleground states on Friday to venture into Texas—Harris to discuss abortion rights and Trump to address the migration crisis.

The 60-year-old Democrat will hold a rally in Houston, where she is expected to be joined on stage by superstar Beyoncé. This follows a gathering in Atlanta where rock legend Bruce Springsteen also showed his support.

On the other hand, the 78-year-old Republican plans to criticize the porousness of the U.S. southern border during a speech from an airplane hangar in Austin. He will also record a podcast with Joe Rogan, a host particularly popular among men.

With just 11 days remaining until the November 5 presidential election, both candidates are pursuing a similar strategy with this Texas detour, focusing on themes that resonate with their base, all in a bid to secure vital votes in key states—though Texas is not one of them, as it is expected to comfortably deliver its 40 electoral votes to Trump.

Texas is one of the few states where Democrats could potentially gain a Senate seat.

Harris will therefore use her trip to support candidate Colin Allred, who could create a major upset if he manages to unseat Republican Senator Ted Cruz, a prominent figure in the party.

On Thursday in Atlanta, the Vice President echoed Barack Obama's famous slogan, "Yes We Can," during a campaign rally where the first African-American U.S. President made a guest appearance alongside Springsteen.

Meanwhile, Trump spoke in Arizona, another state crucial for this closely watched election.

"We are a dump. We are like the dumpster of the world," said the septuagenarian, who continues to intensify his rhetoric at each meeting.

He added, regarding his Democratic rival and her handling of immigration: "A person responsible for such a bloodbath on our soil cannot be allowed to become President of the United States."

With AFP

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