ATLANTA/PHILADELPHIA, Oct 20 (Reuters) – As the U.S. presidential election looms, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump pursued key battleground states with contrasting approaches on Sunday. Harris, emphasizing her connection to faith and community, attended services in two Atlanta-area churches, while Trump made a high-profile visit to a suburban Philadelphia McDonald’s, aiming to connect with voters on the ground.
In her visits to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, and Divine Faith Ministries International in Jonesboro, Harris underscored the critical role of compassion and unity. Speaking to thousands at New Birth, Harris acknowledged the sacrifices made by first responders during Hurricane Helene, which recently brought devastation to Florida, and called on Americans to reject divisive rhetoric that “sows fear and causes chaos.” Although she refrained from mentioning Trump directly, her remarks stood as a clear counter to the divisiveness she said characterized parts of the current political landscape.
“At this point across our nation, what we do see are some trying to deepen division among us, spread hate, sow fear, and cause chaos,” Harris told congregants. Urging her audience to advocate for kindness and empathy, she added, “Some measure the strength of a leader by who you beat down, rather than being guided by love and compassion.”
Harris’s appeal to the faith community aligns with the broader Democratic strategy to mobilize Black voters, a cornerstone of their support base. At Divine Faith Ministries, Harris celebrated her 60th birthday, with Stevie Wonder performing his classics “Higher Ground” and “Redemption Song” to honor the vice president. In an interview with civil rights leader Al Sharpton, Harris addressed concerns about flagging support among Black men, a traditionally reliable bloc for Democrats, saying, “Why would Black men be any different than any other demographic of voter? They expect that you earn their vote.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s Pennsylvania stop aimed to capture blue-collar and suburban voters with a spectacle outside Philadelphia. Sporting a McDonald’s apron, Trump made a rare appearance behind the fryer, preparing and serving fries to his supporters while rallying against Harris’s character and policies. He continued to cast doubt on Harris’s claims of having worked at McDonald’s during her college years, though his campaign provided no supporting evidence.
Trump, who has frequently shown affection for fast food, made light of the experience, saying, “I like this job…I’m having a lot of fun here,” as he handed out food through the drive-thru window to supporters gathered nearby. His campaign indicated the visit was also intended to contrast his stance on wage policies, although Harris’s spokesperson characterized the event as “desperate.”
Harris and her running mate have ramped up their campaign’s “Souls to the Polls” initiative, aimed at boosting turnout by engaging voters through gospel performances, and involving national and state faith leaders, elected officials, and other influencers. With this initiative, Harris’s team hopes to energize and mobilize communities through church services and faith-based gatherings, underlining a message of unity and participation ahead of Election Day.
Source: Reuters
