US presidential election 2024 updates: Kamala Harris delivers closing address while Trump and Biden talk ‘garbage’

With one week remaining until the US presidential election 2024, Election Day on November 5 Vice President Kamala Harris made a compelling address to the nation, while the Trump campaign responded with pointed remarks and the Biden camp scrambled to address a controversial statement.

Harris Rallies at Washington’s Ellipse, Criticizes Trump as Out of Touch

Kamala Harris took to the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. for US election 2024—the same location where former President Donald Trump addressed supporters prior to the January 6 Capitol events. In her address, she positioned herself as a candidate who understands the concerns of average Americans, contrasting herself with Trump, whom she labeled a “petty tyrant.”

Speaking to thousands in attendance, Harris emphasized the importance of voter turnout in what she called the “most significant election of our lives,” urging Americans to embrace a “new era of leadership.” With a generational difference from both Trump and Joe Biden, whom she succeeded as the Democratic nominee, Harris framed her message around a shift toward fresh perspectives in government.

Meanwhile, Trump offered a stark metaphor, describing America as “a giant garbage can.” He also sought to court Puerto Rican voters, a significant electoral group, saying he supports them in ways others do not.

Biden Responds to Controversial Comment, Denies Calling Trump Supporters “Garbage” During US Presidential Election 2024 Rally

Joe Biden also found himself at the center of media attention after a remark made during a town hall with young Latino voters, where he appeared to refer to Trump supporters as “garbage.” Biden later clarified, stating that he was only condemning the “hateful rhetoric” of a comedian at a Trump rally.

Other Election Developments:

• Governor Josh Shapiro’s Stance on Biden’s Remarks: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a high-profile Harris ally, distanced himself from Biden’s statement, saying on CNN that he “would never insult Pennsylvanians or any Americans, regardless of their political choices.”
• Harris Plans Election Night at Howard University: Harris intends to spend election night at Howard University, her alma mater in Washington, D.C. If elected, she would be the first president to graduate from a historically Black university.
• Union Support for Harris: The United Auto Workers (UAW) union urged its members to back Harris, framing the election as a struggle between working-class and billionaire interests.
• Michelle Obama Campaigns in Georgia: Michelle Obama held a major rally in Georgia, drawing over 2,000 attendees as her organization, When We All Vote, promoted voter turnout in the final stretch before Election Day.

Trump Rejects Calls for Apology Amid Controversy, Praises Weekend Rally

After calls from allies to apologize for comments made by speakers at his recent rally, Trump doubled down, describing the event as a “lovefest” and refusing to disavow the controversial remarks. He likened the scene to the January 6 Capitol events, which he also labeled a “lovefest.”

Latest developments:

• Supreme Court Rejects RFK Jr.’s Ballot Removal Request: The Supreme Court dismissed an emergency appeal by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to withdraw from ballots in Wisconsin and Michigan. Kennedy argued that his continued appearance misrepresents his support for Trump after ending his independent campaign.
• Trump Media Stock Surges: Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group, the former president’s social media venture, saw a significant increase ahead of the election, eclipsing the stock value of Elon Musk’s platform X, formerly Twitter.
• JD Vance Defends Trump: In Michigan, JD Vance defended Trump against accusations of “fascism” and criticized Harris’s campaign for allegedly disrespecting WWII veterans.
• Rudy Giuliani’s Book Accuses Biden Administration of “Persecution”: Rudy Giuliani’s latest book claims that his legal troubles and those of Donald Trump stem from what he describes as persecution by a “fascist regime” led by Harris and Biden. Giuliani’s book, however, does not address a recent $150 million defamation judgment against him involving Georgia election workers.

Broader Economic and International Context

• US Economy Shows Resilience: Despite high interest rates, the US economy is anticipated to have grown at an annual rate of 2.6% in Q3, slightly lower than the previous quarter’s 3% growth rate, according to economists surveyed by FactSet.
• China Responds to Trump’s Comments on Taiwan: In response to Trump’s comments suggesting Taiwan should bear more costs for US protection, Chinese officials suggested Trump might abandon Taiwan if elected, as part of his “America First” stance.

FAQs

What was the focus of Kamala Harris’s recent speech?
Harris emphasized the need for a “new generation” of leadership. She urged Americans to vote in the upcoming US presidential election 2024, contrasting her approach with that of Donald Trump, whom she criticized as a “petty tyrant.”

What did Joe Biden clarify regarding his recent comment about Trump supporters?
After a comment made by Biden was interpreted as labeling Trump supporters “garbage,” he clarified that his words referred only to a comedian’s “hateful rhetoric” at a Trump rally, not to Trump supporters themselves.

What is Trump’s stance on the recent controversies at his rally?
Rather than apologizing for controversial remarks by rally speakers, Trump called the event a “lovefest,” the same phrase he has used to describe the January 6 Capitol events.

How did the Supreme Court respond to RFK Jr.’s ballot removal request?
The Supreme Court denied RFK Jr.’s emergency appeal to remove his name from ballots in Wisconsin and Michigan, as he wanted to avoid the appearance of running against Trump after ending his independent bid.

What is the current state of the US economy amid election season?
Despite high interest rates, the US economy has shown resilience. Growth is expected at a 2.6% annual rate in Q3, a slight decrease from 3% in the previous quarter.

Conclusion Summary

With just a week until US Presidential Election 2024 Day, Kamala Harris delivered a powerful closing argument, emphasizing generational change and urging Americans to vote in what she termed the “most important election of our lives.” In contrast, Donald Trump’s campaign maintained its confrontational tone, while Joe Biden clarified remarks that were seen as inflammatory. Other key developments include support for Harris from major unions, Michelle Obama’s voter turnout rally in Georgia, and economic resilience as the US anticipates Q3 growth. For an update on the Project 2025 summary site.