North Carolina: The Battleground State Trump Can't Afford to Lose

As the U. S. presidential election campaign nears its end, the focus is sharply on North Carolina. Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris believe this state could significantly influence the election's outcome. Trump, who previously won North Carolina in two consecutive elections, seems worried. A Trump campaign insider admitted that if any state could cause issues, it would be North Carolina. In contrast, Harris's team feels confident now, after earlier worries that the state might slip out of reach. Both candidates have been actively campaigning in North Carolina, with Trump planning almost daily visits. He's spoken in cities like Greensboro, Gastonia, and will be in Kinston and Raleigh soon. Harris also visited Charlotte, attracting a large crowd of about 10, 000 people. Polling averages in North Carolina show the state within the margin of error, slightly favoring Trump. However, the political landscape has changed drastically due to recent events like Hurricane Florence, which devastated western regions. Trump's controversial statements on the hurricane's impact initially made Democrats nervous, but Harris remains competitive. If Harris can win North Carolina, she might block Trump’s path to victory. Still, she also needs Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Additionally, to secure the necessary 270 Electoral College votes, Harris would need support in another state Biden won in 2020, like Nevada. Republicans have shown strong early voter turnout in North Carolina. However, Democrats see potential in high female, suburban, and unaffiliated voter participation. Democrats also outspent Republicans significantly in state advertising from October 1 to November 2, although Republicans have recently closed the gap. In her Charlotte rally, Harris emphasized unity and urged voters to turn out against Trump, whom she described as divisive. The race in North Carolina is intense, with both sides clinging to hopes of victory.