PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (AFP) — Former President Barack Obama is set to make a pivotal appearance in Pittsburgh on Thursday to support Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, aiming to galvanize voters in the key swing state of Pennsylvania. This visit comes as Harris faces a tough challenge against her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who campaigned in the state just a day prior.
Obama, revered as the first Black president of the United States, is leveraging his influence to encourage early voting, a strategy that Harris’s campaign hopes will secure a vital lead in a competitive electoral landscape. The visit marks Obama’s first stop in a series of appearances across several battleground states leading up to the November 5 election.
As Trump rallied in Scranton—President Joe Biden’s hometown—he focused on winning over blue-collar voters, promising to prioritize oil drilling and criticizing Harris’s economic policies. The backdrop of his visit to Pennsylvania underscores the state’s significance, as it is essential for both parties in their quest for the presidency.
While Trump shifts his focus to Michigan, Harris is set to head to Nevada to connect with Latino voters, although the White House has indicated she will be briefed throughout the day on Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Florida with alarming intensity. President Biden has warned that this storm could be the “storm of the century,” adding another layer of urgency to the day’s events.
Harris’s campaign is particularly counting on Obama’s ability to rally Black and young voters—demographics that are crucial for her success in the tight race against Trump. Obama’s role as a motivator and communicator of the early voting message is vital, especially as his support carries significant weight among Democrats.
Historically, Democrats have embraced early voting strategies more than Republicans, who have often questioned its integrity. Trump has repeatedly criticized mail-in voting since his defeat in 2020, which he continues to contest. This ongoing debate over voting methods adds to the stakes of this election cycle.
Eric Schultz, a senior advisor to Obama, emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, stating, “President Obama believes the stakes of this election could not be more consequential and that is why he is doing everything he can to help elect Vice President Harris.”
Obama’s earlier speeches at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago generated enthusiasm for Harris, positioning her as a successor to his legacy. During that event, he rallied supporters with chants of “Yes she can,” echoing the sentiment of his own campaign’s slogan from 2008. However, he cautioned that the race for the presidency remains exceptionally competitive in a divided nation.
In addition to his grassroots efforts, Obama has been instrumental in raising over $76 million for the Democratic campaign this election cycle. His endorsement of Harris came after Biden’s unexpected exit from the race in July, solidifying her position as a leading candidate.
As the campaign intensifies, Obama’s visit to Pennsylvania serves as a critical moment for Harris’s efforts to energize her base and secure the votes needed for a successful bid in the upcoming election.
