Vice President Kamala Harris is set to hold a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday to reveal her running mate as she continues her campaign as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. This visit will mark Harris' first appearance in Pennsylvania since securing the nomination on Monday and her seventh visit to the state this year, making it the 17th visit since taking office as vice president in 2021.
Although the identity of Harris' running mate remains undisclosed, reports suggest that she has narrowed down her selection to two candidates: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
The Harris campaign is emphasizing the strong support in Pennsylvania, with over 33,000 individuals signing up to volunteer for the campaign in the state within the last 15 days. The campaign boasts nearly 300 staff members spread across 36 offices, strategically located in counties like Erie, Luzerne, and Northampton, as well as traditionally Republican areas such as Union, Lancaster, and York counties.
Contrasting her approach with that of former President Trump, the Harris campaign asserts that she is advocating for freedoms, democracy, and an inclusive economy that fosters progress for all. In contrast, they criticize Trump's 'Project 2025' agenda, labeling it regressive and potentially harmful, citing proposals such as a national abortion ban, increased costs for the middle class, and an expansion of executive powers.
Trump, who recently survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, has faced criticism for his association with Project 2025, a controversial initiative linked to conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation. The initiative has been condemned for its authoritarian and Christian nationalist undertones, with Trump distancing himself from its more extreme recommendations.
The Harris campaign also highlights electoral setbacks faced by Trump and his endorsed candidates in Pennsylvania, pointing to losses in 2018, 2020, and 2022. They underscore Trump's defeat to Biden in 2020, as well as recent losses by Republican candidates in key races, signaling a shift in voter priorities towards issues like reproductive rights and safeguarding democracy.
As the campaign intensifies in Pennsylvania, both Harris and Trump are vying for support in a crucial battleground state that could sway the outcome of the upcoming election.
