Hindustan Times
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With a third of the votes counted in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has taken a lead with 211 Electoral College votes, outpacing Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris, who holds 145 votes. The close race is unfolding amid intense national and international attention, as the election outcome is expected to shape the trajectory of U.S. policy and global alliances for years to come.
Key Focus on Pennsylvania as Final Campaigns Conclude
As the campaigns neared their end, both candidates directed their final appeals to voters in Pennsylvania, a battleground state carrying 19 electoral votes and considered critical for either candidate’s path to victory. Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania could play a pivotal role in determining the next president, making it a prime focus for both parties.
Trump rallied supporters in Reading, Pennsylvania, asserting the state’s decisive power: “If we win Pennsylvania, we win the whole ball of wax. It’s over.” Less than 30 miles away in Allentown, Kamala Harris took the stage shortly afterward, urging voters to participate in record numbers, emphasizing their unique ability to tip the scales in this election: “We need everyone in Pennsylvania to vote. You are going to make the difference in this election.”
Campaign Stops Across Pennsylvania: Harris Emphasizes ‘Blue Wall’ Defense
Harris’s campaign tour in Pennsylvania spanned several significant locations, underscoring the state’s importance. She stopped in Allentown and Scranton, the birthplace of current President Joe Biden before addressing voters in Reading. Her final day was set to conclude with rallies in Pittsburgh and a late-night event in Philadelphia, where she was joined by high-profile supporters, including Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, underscoring the high stakes and broad appeal she aimed to muster among Pennsylvania’s voters.
For Harris, winning Pennsylvania is crucial to securing the “blue wall” of Democratic states necessary to reach the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win. However, Trump’s early lead has intensified efforts across both campaigns to mobilize voters in key counties and suburban areas.
A Critical Moment in U.S. Politics
The 2024 election is widely viewed as one of the most consequential in recent U.S. history, with the outcome expected to affect not only domestic policies but also international relations and global geopolitics. With both candidates vying for control of pivotal swing states, the race remains a closely contested battle as Americans across the nation await the final results.