In the ongoing presidential campaign, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are pursuing divergent strategies across key battleground states. The former president is set to make appearances in California and Nevada, while the vice president concentrates her efforts in Pennsylvania.
Trump's schedule for September 13, 2024, includes a morning news conference at his golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. This event marks his second consecutive Friday press briefing, following a similar gathering in New York the previous week. The Republican candidate's itinerary also features a fundraiser in Woodside, hosted by billionaire software developer Tom Siebel and his wife, Stacey Siebel. Interestingly, Tom Siebel is distantly related to Jennifer Siebel Newsom, spouse of California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and Harris supporter.
The fundraiser in Woodside requires attendees to contribute at least $3,300 per person or raise $10,000 for the campaign. Top-tier donors, paying up to $500,000 per couple, will receive additional benefits such as photo opportunities and roundtable discussions.
Harris, on the other hand, is focusing her campaign on Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state. Her schedule includes rallies in Johnstown and Wilkes-Barre, following recent events in North Carolina, another swing state. The vice president's campaign has gained momentum after her debate performance against Trump on September 10, 2024.
"Concepts. Concepts. No actual plan. Concepts."
Harris' campaign reported raising $47 million from 600,000 donors in the 24 hours following the debate. This impressive fundraising feat adds to her August total of $361 million from nearly 3 million donors, surpassing Trump's $130 million for the same period.
The focus on battleground states is evident in both campaigns' strategies. Nevada, where Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Las Vegas, has been a closely contested state in recent elections. Both candidates and their running mates have made multiple visits to Clark County, Nevada, since June.
As the campaign intensifies, the contrast between the two candidates' approaches becomes more apparent. While Trump continues to hold news conferences and fundraisers, Harris has yet to hold a press conference as a presidential candidate. However, her campaign has indicated plans to increase engagement with local media outlets in battleground states.
With less than two months until the election, both campaigns are ramping up their efforts to secure crucial swing states and raise funds for the final stretch of the race. The outcome of these strategic decisions could play a significant role in determining the next president of the United States.