Trump, Harris compete for edge in high-stakes US election

**Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump, two leading contenders in the upcoming U.S. election, are actively seeking to gain competitive advantages over one another as the campaign intensifies in crucial swing states.**

Harris recently visited North Carolina, a state hard-hit by recent storms that resulted in over 235 fatalities. Her visit aimed to fulfill her duties as vice president and counter Trump’s narrative of neglecting storm victims, especially as polls indicate Harris is struggling in traditional Democratic strongholds.

"Moments of crisis reveal the heroes among us," Harris stated during her address at a church in Greenville, a city known for its historical significance in the civil rights movement, notably the 1960 lunch counter sit-in led by African American students for equality. She then indirectly criticized Trump, saying, "Lying about people who are working hard to help those in need, spreading disinformation."

Conversely, at a rally in Arizona, Trump concentrated heavily on the critical election issue of immigration, promising to hire 10,000 new U.S. border guards if reelected. In a recent Fox News interview, he suggested the use of military force against Americans he labeled as "the enemy from within." "We have some sick people, radical left lunatics," he stated, without clarifying who he meant. "It should be handled easily, if necessary, by the National Guard or, if really necessary, by the military." However, federal law generally restricts the military's use in civilian law enforcement, except under certain conditions.

In a related incident, police arrested a man with a shotgun and a loaded handgun near a Trump rally in California. The Secret Service confirmed that the former president, who has faced two assassination attempts since July, was not in danger during this incident.

### 'Left Behind' 

Polling indicates that Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck in the seven swing states likely to determine the election's outcome. However, Harris has struggled to retain Latino voters, with recent data from a New York Times/Siena College poll showing her support among this demographic at only 56%, compared to Trump’s 37%, reflecting a significant 19-point gap. While Harris has a strong backing among women, particularly women of color, she is facing challenges appealing to Black male voters, many of whom are increasingly leaning toward Trump.

As Harris campaigned in North Carolina, President Joe Biden was in Florida assessing damage from Hurricane Milton, announcing $600 million in aid for areas affected by both Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September. 

With just 23 days until the November 5 election, Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, continue to spotlight the federal disaster response as a central issue in the presidential race. On the ABC Sunday talk show "This Week," Vance acknowledged that Trump’s characterization of the federal response as incompetent resonates with Americans who feel "left behind" by their government.

### Eyes on Pennsylvania

Both candidates will be campaigning in Pennsylvania, the biggest swing state, on Monday. Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton, a prominent surrogate for Harris, was active in Georgia, speaking at Mount Zion Baptist Church, a historically Black congregation.

Later, during a rally in Greenville, Harris accused Trump of lacking transparency with voters, referencing his refusal to release medical records or appear for an interview with CBS's *60 Minutes*. "It makes you wonder, why does his staff want him to hide away?" she questioned. "Are they afraid that people will see he is too weak and unstable to lead America?"