WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — With just 50 days until the presidential election, both candidates are targeting battleground states this week and also focusing attention on securing key endorsements.
The Trump campaign says the apparent assassination attempt over the weekend won’t derail their schedule. Former President Donald Trump is set to travel to Michigan, New York, and North Carolina in the week ahead.
Vice President Harris is scheduled to make stops in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
George Washington University Political Science Professor Todd Belt says it’s no surprise that they’re paying special attention to the swing states.
“That’s going to be where this campaign is won or lost. It was only 43,000 votes that separated Joe Biden and Donald Trump last time across three states. It will probably be close again,” Belt said.
He also adds that the message the candidates deliver to voters there will matter.
“They really want more details about what their lives would be like under each administration,” Belt said.
Even while embracing her role in the Biden administration, Vice President Harris tells voters if she wins the White House, it will be a new chapter for the country.
“I truly believe that America is ready to turn the page on the politics of division and hate,” Harris said.
Former President Trump says the VP has already shown what her leadership means for the U.S.
“Nobody can believe how bad they’ve done at the border, running our country, the economy, inflation,” Trump said.
This week Harris is fighting for a new endorsement from the Teamsters Union. She met on Monday with Teamsters members and leaders at a roundtable.
“It’s really important for someone like Kamala Harris who will depend upon union votes to get out there and speak to the members,” Belt said.
The Harris campaign is also still riding high from pop star Taylor Swift’s endorsement.
“Surround yourself with smart women and listen to them and you’ll do just fine. That includes my fellow cat owner Taylor Swift by the way,” Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz said.
It seems to be on the former president’s mind too. In a post on his Truth Social this weekend he wrote ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT.’
