Trump and Harris Step Up Their Rally Blitz in Michigan

The major presidential candidates hosted six campaign events on October 18, targeting key counties in Michigan that could influence the state’s outcome in the presidential race. Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Oakland County, home to over a million of Michigan’s 8.4 million registered voters.

With just 18 days before the election, Trump and Harris emphasized their central campaign themes, each making strong appeals to auto workers and the Arab Muslim community, which makes up almost 3 percent of the state’s population.

Michigan’s critical role in the election, with its 15 electoral votes, highlights its importance as polls show a tight race both here and in six other states.

Trump began his day in Hamtramck, a Muslim-majority city in Wayne County. Mayor Amer Ghalib, a Democrat, endorsed Trump and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. During his visit, Trump also suggested support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military efforts, contrary to President Biden’s position.

In Auburn Hills, Oakland County, Trump participated in a roundtable with Rep. Byron Donalds and others, where they discussed topics such as competition in the auto industry and law enforcement morale. Trump reiterated his pledge to impose tariffs on foreign automakers and to ensure legal protections for police officers.

At a Detroit rally later, Trump criticized the Biden-Harris administration and vowed to protect the auto industry, strengthen the economy, and deport illegal immigrants.

Meanwhile, Vice President Harris focused on promoting her vision for the future, contrasting it with what she described as Trump’s focus on the past. At a rally in Kent County, she emphasized protecting abortion rights and revitalizing American manufacturing.

In Lansing, she met with union workers, pledging investments in manufacturing and promising good-paying jobs. Harris also addressed Arab Muslim voters at an evening event in Oakland County, acknowledging their community's contributions and discussing the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

The competition for Michigan is fierce, as the state forms part of the traditional Democratic "blue wall" that Trump breached in 2016 but Biden reclaimed in 2020.