Russia Harris ends election campaign with a big show - and confidence
In stark contrast to her Republican rival Donald Trump, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris focused on a positive message at her star-studded final rally. Standing on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the "swing state" of Pennsylvania, the setting for the cult film "Rocky", Harris said: "Tonight we end it the way we started it, with optimism, with energy and with joy." The Democrat was able to enjoy the support of various superstars at her final rally in the evening (local time) before the US presidential election.
05.11.2024, 11:39
SDA
Harris: "The race is not over yet"
Harris urged people who have not yet cast their vote to do so on Tuesday. "The race is not over yet." It could be one of the closest races in history, he said. "Every single vote counts," said Harris. On Tuesday, the USA will decide on the presidency and the future balance of power in the US parliament. Harris and Republican Trump have repeatedly attacked each other fiercely during the election campaign. Trump in particular focused on insults and repeatedly painted a bleak picture of the USA. He held his final rally in the swing state of Michigan.
Harris and her team presented a meticulously choreographed event in Philadelphia, which featured superstar Lady Gaga and TV icon Oprah Winfrey. The event was reminiscent of great American television moments such as the Oscar and Grammy awards or the Super Bowl half-time show. Harris had previously received support from singer Katy Perry at another event - also in Pennsylvania.
Harris recalls iconic scene from "Rocky"
"It's nice to be back in the City of Brotherly Love, where the foundation of our democracy was forged, and here at these famous steps, a tribute to those who start as underdogs and work their way up to victory," Harris said, alluding to the movie "Rocky" and the famous steps. In one of the film's most iconic scenes, Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, runs up the 72 steps. The moment when Rocky reaches the top and throws his arms triumphantly into the air has become engraved and symbolized in pop culture.
Lady Gaga also used the stage to appeal for support for Democrat Harris in the presidential election - and explicitly addressed women. For a long time they had not had a voice, but had raised children, kept families together and supported men in their decisions. But now they are part of the decision on what happens to the country. US talk show host Winfrey warned: "We are voting for healing instead of hate."
Harris and Trump back swing states
Democrat Harris traveled to the important "swing state" of Pennsylvania for four appearances on Monday, while Republican Trump also traveled to North Carolina and Michigan, where a close race is also looming. It is the candidates' last chance to send a message to their voters. As it is foreseeable in the vast majority of states which party will secure victory there, Democrats and Republicans are focusing their election campaign primarily on the few "swing states" where the outcome is still open. Pennsylvania, where there are 19 electoral votes up for grabs - more than in any other key state - is seen as potentially decisive.
First election results: Tied in the village of Dixville Notch
The first decisions of the election were made during the final rallies: in the small village of Dixville Notch in the state of New Hampshire, Harris and Trump were tied 3 to 3, as was announced on a hand-written board shortly after midnight (local time). Because there are only six registered voters in the ski resort near the border with Canada - four Republicans and two independents - voting and counting are completed quickly.
The polling station in Dixville Notch has been opening at midnight on election day since 1960. The fact that voting is allowed so early is thanks to a law in New Hampshire. It allows communities with fewer than 100 inhabitants to open their polling stations at midnight for both the primaries and later for the presidential election. This was to allow railroad workers to go to sleep after voting and then get to work on time.
The results from the small towns did not always reflect who ended up as president. CNN commentators saw the tie as a sign of how close the race is between Harris and Trump.
