As both candidates made their final pitches to voters on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump campaigned in the key battleground states of Pennsylvania and Michigan, respectively, ahead of Election Day.
Kamala Harris held her final rally in Philadelphia, delivering a message of unity and commitment to listening to Americans. She was joined by a star-studded lineup, including Lady Gaga, who performed “God Bless America” and “Edge of Glory” as the clock struck midnight, marking the start of Election Day. Oprah Winfrey also took the stage, encouraging young voters and emphasizing the importance of every single vote: “Nothing could be further from the truth,” she told the crowd, reassuring them that their votes mattered. Winfrey introduced first-time voters, driving home the theme of civic engagement.
Additionally, Harris’ rally featured performances by musical icons like Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, and Jon Bon Jovi, who performed “Livin’ on a Prayer” alongside Michael Stipe and the War & Treaty. In various states, celebrities such as Ricky Martin and Sugarland rallied support for the Democratic ticket, building excitement for Harris’ final campaign push.
Trump’s Final Rally in Michigan Faces Smaller Crowds and Empty Seats
In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s final rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was met with a less enthusiastic turnout. Although his crowds still numbered in the thousands, there were visible empty seats during his rally, a sight that stood in contrast to previous campaign events. Trump’s rally in Reading, Pennsylvania, also saw sections of unfilled seats despite efforts to cover them with a large American flag. However, his Michigan rally eventually filled up, with some supporters waiting for hours in advance.
During his Grand Rapids rally, Trump promised to make America “great again,” continuing his pitch for economic prosperity and national security. His final campaign event started late, at 12:15 am on Tuesday, but was met with applause from loyal supporters. Notably, Trump’s rally did not feature any major celebrity endorsements, but he was joined by former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. Kelly, who once clashed with Trump, offered her endorsement, stating, “He [Trump] will be a protector of women…he will close the border and he will keep boys out of women’s sports.”
Celebrity-Laden Campaign for Harris vs. Trump’s More Traditional Approach
While Harris had a strong presence of celebrities backing her candidacy, Trump’s campaign leaned on his traditional grassroots support, still managing to attract significant crowds despite a quieter final push. The contrast between the two candidates’ closing rallies underscores the different strategies they’ve employed throughout the campaign, with Harris leveraging high-profile endorsements and Trump relying on his dedicated base.
As Election Day arrives, both candidates are hoping to rally their supporters one last time to secure key victories in these critical battleground states.