Trump believes Harris to be easier to beat than Biden
1. Pennsylvania was one of three Rust Belt states that helped power Trump's upset victory in the 2016 election
Former President Donald Trump, at a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election, should she be the Democratic nominee. Trump described Harris as "radical" and "a lunatic," stating she would be easier to beat than President Joe Biden, despite recent polls showing her with a slight edge over Trump.
Pennsylvania is a crucial battleground state in the election, having played a significant role in both Trump’s 2016 victory and Biden's 2020 win. The state, with its 19 electoral votes, is considered a major prize. A model by election forecaster Nate Silver highlights Pennsylvania as the most likely "tipping point" state, meaning its electoral votes could determine the outcome of the race.
Since Biden ended his reelection campaign, Harris has gained momentum, erasing the lead Trump had built. Polls by FiveThirtyEight show Harris leading Trump by over two percentage points in Pennsylvania.
Both campaigns have heavily invested in advertising in the state. Of the over $110 million spent in battleground states since Biden's withdrawal, $42 million has been directed to Pennsylvania, more than twice any other state. The Harris campaign plans to spend $370 million nationwide on ads leading up to the election.
In addition to Pennsylvania, other key battleground states include Arizona, North Carolina, Nevada, and Georgia. Recent New York Times polls show Harris leading in Arizona and North Carolina, while narrowing Trump’s lead in Nevada and Georgia.
Both Trump and Harris have been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania, with Trump focusing on white, non-college-educated voters in areas like Luzerne County, which played a crucial role in his 2016 victory. Harris, on the other hand, is working to build support in urban areas and suburbs, following a strategy similar to Biden's 2020 approach.
Trump's rally in Wilkes-Barre is part of his effort to solidify support in Pennsylvania, while Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will be touring western Pennsylvania ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
