John Kelly, former chief of staff to Trump, dives into his concerns about the former President's fitness for office amidst ongoing campaign activities in Texas. Vice President Kamala Harris highlights her focus on reproductive rights and the urgent need for voter trust as misinformation spreads. Donald Trump pushes claims about non-citizen voting, while Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Commonwealth, discusses an investigation into fraudulent voter registration, emphasizing the imperative of electoral integrity as Election Day approaches.
Vice President Harris and former President Trump are both actively campaigning in Texas with contrasting focuses on reproductive rights and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Ongoing investigations into fraudulent voter registrations in Pennsylvania highlight broader concerns about election integrity amid rising misinformation.
Focus group insights reveal that while economic anxiety is a primary concern for voters, Harris's emphasis on reproductive rights resonates particularly with Black voters.
Deep dives
Dueling Campaign Events in Texas
Former President Trump and Vice President Harris are actively campaigning in Texas, with Harris emphasizing reproductive rights through a significant address alongside celebrity support from Beyoncé. In contrast, Trump is intensifying his anti-immigrant rhetoric and targeting male voters through appearances on popular platforms like the Joe Rogan podcast. The Harris campaign has also released a new ad questioning Trump's fitness for office, featuring comments from his former chief of staff, John Kelly, highlighting Trump's authoritarian tendencies. This strategic focus is indicative of the distinct approaches each candidate is taking to rally their respective bases just days before the election.
The Big Lie 2.0
Trump and his allies are promoting the 'Big Lie 2.0,' asserting unsubstantiated claims about non-citizen voting to undermine trust in the electoral process ahead of the election. Despite evidence showing that non-citizen voting is extremely rare, Trump has been vocal about a supposed influx of illegal voters, insisting that the removal of non-citizens from voter rolls should be prioritized. This rhetoric serves to lay the groundwork for potential fraud claims should he lose, similar to the narrative he pushed in 2020. Furthermore, his allies are reportedly more organized this time around in circulating these false claims, signaling a concerted effort to influence public perception before ballots are cast.
Efforts to Secure the Vote
As Election Day approaches, several states are grappling with incidents that threaten election integrity, leading to investigations. In Pennsylvania, officials are investigating a significant number of fraudulent voter registration applications, while Colorado is dealing with confirmed cases of stolen mail ballots that were filled out and submitted. Additionally, Georgia has recently thwarted a cyber attack aimed at its absentee voting website, underscoring heightened concerns about election security. These developments reflect ongoing efforts by state officials to ensure safe and secure voting amidst a climate of misinformation and potential election interference.
Voter Sentiment and Focus Group Insights
Recent focus group discussions with undecided voters indicate a shifting sentiment as many reflect on the economy as their primary concern, swaying their preferences towards Trump. Voters expressed a desire for clear communication on policies rather than personal narratives, emphasizing the importance of understanding candidates' plans for economic improvement. Harris's focus on reproductive rights resonates with some, particularly among Black voters who feel strongly about maintaining those rights. However, economic anxiety seems to have a stronger pull, with several voters indicating that past financial improvements during Trump’s presidency contribute to their hesitance in fully backing Harris.
Reactions to Political Rhetoric
The political landscape is increasingly charged as the vice president leans into accusations labeling Trump as a fascist, following comments from his former chief of staff. This has elicited strong responses from Trump's camp, equating such rhetoric with fostering a dangerous political climate. Critics argue that such extreme labels blur the line of political discourse and can incite further division among voters. The ongoing exchange of harsh terminology may distract from substantive policy discussions and the core issues that influence voters' choices as the election draws near.
11 days from Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are both in Texas. NBC News investigates how false claims about noncitizens voting could undermine trust in the election. Pennsylvania Secretary of Commonwealth Al Schmidt joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss an ongoing investigation into fraudulent voter registration applications in Lancaster County. The NBC News Deciders Focus Group, produced in collaboration with Engagious, Syracuse University and Sago, talks to voters who did not cast ballots in 2020.
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