Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) are intensifying their unverified assertions of voter fraud, particularly in several critical counties across Pennsylvania, claiming, “They’ve cheated.” These allegations fuel an already tense political atmosphere as the election approaches.
As October unfolds, the final days before the polls close signal the conclusion of the closely watched 2024 election. This pivotal moment has sparked a surge in campaigning and public appearances by key candidates.
Following a whirlwind of back-to-back campaign events in the southwestern region of the country on Thursday, Donald Trump is set to rally supporters in the suburb of Warren, Michigan, on Friday afternoon. Later that evening, he will continue his campaign momentum with another rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, further solidifying his presence in this crucial battleground state.
Adding to the campaign trail, running mate JD Vance has organized rallies in Portage, Michigan, and Selma, North Carolina. Additionally, Eric Trump will make an appearance at a rally in Georgia, showcasing a unified effort among Trump allies to energize the voter base.
Election 2024 live updates: Both Harris and Trump are scheduled to rally in Milwaukee, while the latest polls indicate a neck-and-neck race.
Here is what to know heading into the weekend amidst the election fray.
See the most recent polls: New insights from presidential polls in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina reveal a highly competitive landscape as Election Day approaches.
Vance appears on Joe Rogan podcast
On Thursday, JD Vance graced the airwaves of the popular “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, an episode that spans over three hours and is available on Spotify and the show’s YouTube channel. His discussion touches on various current issues, providing insights into his political outlook.
Trump himself made a previous appearance on Rogan’s podcast last week. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris was rumored to join the show but ultimately declined due to logistical issues with travel, despite Rogan expressing a desire to engage in a casual conversation with her.
Rogan’s podcast boasts an impressive following, being ranked as the top podcast with 14.5 million subscribers on Spotify, making it a significant platform for political discourse and audience engagement.
Controversy over Puerto Rico joke continues
Following a controversial joke made by a comedian at a Madison Square Garden rally, where Puerto Rico was referred to disparagingly, Trump addressed a New Mexico audience, asking for their preferred terms of identification— “Hispanics” or “Latinos.” The crowd responded with enthusiasm for “Hispanic.”
Trump asserted, “First of all, Hispanics love Trump. I like them. They’re smart,” attempting to highlight his connection with the Hispanic community amidst ongoing backlash.
On the other side of the political spectrum, Kamala Harris voiced her disagreement with President Joe Biden’s remarks that seemed to criticize Trump’s supporters, emphasizing her belief in respecting voters regardless of their affiliations, advocating for unity rather than division.
As the race tightens, polls continue to indicate a remarkably close contest between the leading candidates, with both Trump and Harris striving to capture the critical undecided voters.
Contributing: Savannah Kuchar, Victoria Moorwood, David Jackson, Natalie Neysa Alund, Rebecca Morin
Kinsey Crowley is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com, and follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley.
**Interview with Political Analyst Lisa Thompson on Trump’s 2024 Campaign and Voter Fraud Assertions**
**Host:** Welcome to today’s segment. With the election just around the corner, we have political analyst Lisa Thompson joining us to discuss the ongoing developments in the 2024 campaign, particularly regarding Donald Trump’s claim of voter fraud in Pennsylvania. Thank you for being here, Lisa.
**Lisa Thompson:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** Recently, Trump and the RNC have ramped up their unverified claims of voter fraud, especially in key counties in Pennsylvania. Can you explain the implications of these accusations as we approach the election?
**Lisa Thompson:** Absolutely. These unverified claims can create a climate of distrust surrounding the electoral process, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania. While Trump asserts that “they’ve cheated,” it’s essential to note that such allegations often lack substantial evidence and can undermine public confidence in the outcome of the election. This atmosphere can lead to heightened tensions among voters and may even affect turnout.
**Host:** Right, and as the campaign heats up, Trump is gearing up for rallies in critical locations like Michigan and Wisconsin. What impact do you think these events will have on his voter base?
**Lisa Thompson:** Trump’s rallies are a vital part of his strategy to energize his supporters. In battleground states, these events can draw large crowds and amplify his messaging. With polls indicating a closely contested race, the visibility and enthusiasm generated by these rallies could motivate voters to turn out on Election Day. However, the degree to which this mobilization occurs remains to be seen, especially given the divided opinions on voter fraud allegations.
**Host:** JD Vance also made an appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, discussing various current issues. How do you see appearances like this influencing public perception?
**Lisa Thompson:** Podcasts like Rogan’s have a massive reach among diverse demographics. When politicians like JD Vance engage in these conversations, it allows them to connect with younger audiences who may not be as engaged with traditional political discourse. Such platforms can help shape narratives and solidify support by discussing relatable issues. However, they also carry the risk of spreading misinformation if not approached carefully.
**Host:** As the final days of campaigning unfold, what should voters keep in mind as they head to the polls?
**Lisa Thompson:** Voters should prioritize seeking out credible information, understanding their ballots, and participating in the electoral process. Additionally, being aware of the potential for misinformation—especially about voter fraud—can help mitigate its impact. It’s crucial for the integrity of our democracy that voters remain informed and engaged.
**Host:** Well said, Lisa. Thank you for your insights. As the election approaches, it’s clear that the stakes are high, and the atmosphere remains charged. We appreciate your perspective on these critical developments.
**Lisa Thompson:** It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me!
