As Election Day approaches, the U.S. campaign trail intensifies, with former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris leading rallies across key battleground states. With just eight days until the election, recent polls reveal an intensely close race, with a CBS News Poll showing Harris at 50% of likely voter support and Trump at 49%.
In a high-energy rally at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Trump attracted tens of thousands of supporters, but the event sparked controversy after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made offensive comments about Puerto Rico, referring to it as a “floating island of garbage.”
The statement drew widespread criticism, with South Florida’s Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce swiftly condemning the joke. Prominent Puerto Rican artists like Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez voiced support for Harris in response, underscoring the impact of these remarks on Puerto Rican voters. Florida GOP figures, including Senator Rick Scott and Senator Carlos Gimenez, distanced themselves from the comedian’s remarks, calling them “classless” and emphasizing respect for Puerto Rican Americans.
Vice President Harris continues her own tour, emphasizing unity and inclusivity. She will appear alongside Tim Walz and singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers in Michigan, highlighting a positive message aimed at countering divisive rhetoric. Harris is set to give her final argument speech tomorrow at the Washington, D.C. Ellipse. In a show of support, former President Obama will join her on stage in Philadelphia with musician Bruce Springsteen, seeking to energize voters as early voting unfolds across the country.
Trump’s rally also included a renewed promise to reform the tax system, suggesting to podcaster Joe Rogan that he would replace income taxes with tariffs, specifically a 20% tax on all imports, with an elevated rate targeting Chinese goods. Economic experts have raised concerns that such tariffs could increase prices for American consumers, potentially straining the economy.
Both campaigns are drawing intense voter interest, particularly on issues like the economy and immigration. New Yorkers alone saw a turnout of 250,000 early voters this past weekend, underscoring the public’s eagerness to participate. Allegations of voter fraud related to non-citizen voting have surfaced, particularly in Texas, where former President Trump’s allies have voiced concerns. However, election officials in Bexar County, Texas, stress that extensive verification processes are in place to prevent such incidents, working with state and federal agencies to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
As the final week before Election Day unfolds, both campaigns are aiming to capture any remaining undecided voters while navigating the controversies and policy debates that define this heated race.
