Democratic governors from three key states in the blue wall offered closing appeals for Kamala Harris as she marked her 60th birthday with a church visit. Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, Wisconsin’s Tony Evers, and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer appeared on Sunday morning political shows to promote the vice-president’s policy agenda and contrast her with Republican candidate Donald Trump, just 16 days before an election that remains closely contested.
Trump supporters attempted to defend the former president’s crass remarks made during a rally in Pennsylvania, where he disparaged Harris and made inappropriate comments about the late golfer Arnold Palmer.
“I don’t want to return to the chaos of Donald Trump’s presidency,” Shapiro stated on NBC’s Meet the Press, recalling a time characterized by disorder and diminished job opportunities. “I want a stable, strong leader, and that’s Kamala Harris.”
Shapiro, Evers, and Whitmer participated in a joint interview on ABC’s This Week, highlighting polls indicating a tight presidential race across all three states. “Both candidates view Pennsylvania as critical, but we have a stronger candidate with a more compelling message,” Shapiro asserted.
In Michigan, Whitmer noted that voters are evaluating the candidates’ records ahead of the November 5 election. “While this race is going to be close, I believe we are in a favorable position,” she expressed, referencing their advantages on issues that resonate with the electorate.
Evers countered Trump’s claims that a Harris administration would harm the economy by touting Wisconsin’s economic progress under Democratic policies. “We have the best economy we’ve ever had, and it’s not due to Donald Trump,” he said.
Meanwhile, Harris was in Georgia, rallying Black voters at two community churches, urging them to choose a country of freedom and justice over chaos and hate. She emphasized the power of democracy in shaping their future through their actions and votes.
Harris has been working to bolster her appeal among Black voters, particularly Black men, as polls indicate some concerns about her campaign’s enthusiasm. Recent polling shows she has gained traction among Black voters in swing states.
Later, singer Stevie Wonder was slated to join Harris at a rally in Jonesboro, which was to precede her interview with civil rights leader Al Sharpton.
As Trump continued his campaign activities in Pennsylvania, including an afternoon rally and a stop at a McDonald’s, Republicans on Sunday talk shows sought to distance themselves from his controversial remarks.
Senator Lindsey Graham reacted strongly when questioned about Trump’s comments, diverting focus to recent assassination attempts against Trump. He also condemned fellow Republicans who have turned against Trump and expressed support for Harris.
Amidst the political discourse, US House Speaker Mike Johnson took a measured stance, steering clear of discussing Trump’s remarks during an interview, instead focusing on what voters prioritize for their families.
Early in-person voting is proceeding in several states, with Georgia reporting record first-day turnout, despite a dead heat in polls. Shapiro emphasized that reaching undecided voters would be crucial in determining the election outcome. “Many people don’t keep up with the day-to-day news; they just want to do what’s best for their families,” he concluded.
