Kamala Harris and Joe Biden rally in Pennsylvania, highlighting support for American steel and aiming to sway labor voters as Trump campaigns lag.
On Monday, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris joined President Joe Biden for a rally in Pennsylvania. They spoke to working-class voters about the future of US Steel.
Harris and Biden want to keep US Steel American-owned and American-operated. This message comes as Harris officially became the Democratic nominee and as the November 5 election nears.
Labor Day marked their first joint appearance since Harris’s nomination. Harris used her speeches in Michigan and Pennsylvania to reach out to union workers. At a packed union hall in Pittsburgh, she supported Biden’s concern about US Steel Corp possibly being bought by Japan’s Nippon Steel.
Democratic Push for American Steel
Harris emphasized, “US Steel is a historic American company. It’s crucial for our nation to keep strong American steel companies.” Biden added that Harris would continue to support union workers and improve their lives.
The Democrats aim to attract union workers who might be tempted to vote for former President Donald Trump. Trump, who also appeals to blue-collar workers, is a rival in the tight race.
At the rally, Todd Hamer, 48, mentioned he thinks Biden’s support for labor will benefit Harris. “We’re all still learning about her,” Hamer said. “But she has a strong history and will support unions.”
Trump was absent from the campaign trail on Monday. His team announced upcoming events in North Carolina and Wisconsin. The Harris campaign took a jab at Trump’s absence, tweeting, “Trump … golfing?”
A Trump campaign aide said Harris’s rally with Biden gives them a chance to highlight their shared policies. Trump has promised to block the US Steel deal, which worries some union workers. This merger could influence key swing states like Pennsylvania.
US Steel remains committed to its deal with Nippon Steel, aiming to close by the end of the year, depending on approvals. Nippon Steel argues the deal will revive the American steel industry and benefit local workers. They believe an objective review process will support their plan.
Both Harris and Trump are gearing up to reach voters, especially in crucial swing states. Harris is trying to maintain the enthusiasm sparked by her campaign, with Democrats donating and volunteering in large numbers. Recent polls show Harris leading Trump nationally 45% to 41%.
Impact of the Gaza Conflict
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza is impacting the election. Over the weekend, Israel recovered the bodies of six hostages from a Gaza tunnel, killed by Hamas.
This has led to criticism of Biden’s Gaza ceasefire strategy. Biden mentioned he would eventually talk to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but did not specify when.
The conflict has caused heavy casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported dead and about 1,200 Israelis killed in the attack by Hamas on October 7.
Health authorities say Gaza's population is almost entirely displaced, leading to a hunger crisis and genocide allegations at the World Court, which Israel denies.
Biden and Harris also met with the US hostage negotiation team on Monday to discuss freeing the remaining captives. Pro-Palestinian activists are threatening to protest Harris’s campaign appearances, adding more pressure as the election approaches.
