On October 27th, the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump (Trump), held an important campaign rally at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. This rally gathered much attention as the last time a Republican presidential candidate had a rally in support of in New York state was back in 1984 during President Reagan’s re-election campaign. As a New York native, Trump delivered his final debate against Harris at this landmark venue.
Supporters, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, attended the event. Other notable figures who came to support Trump included former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, who withdrew from the race to endorse Trump; conservative commentator Tucker Carlson; and Howard Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, who is also the co-chair of Trump’s White House transition team.
Hours before Trump’s planned speech, the venue was already packed to capacity. Outside the arena, sidewalks were filled with supporters sporting red “Make America Great Again” hats. Security was tight as streets were closed off, and access to Pennsylvania Station was restricted.
Trump’s campaign team announced that tickets for the event at the arena, which can accommodate up to 19,500 people and cost up to $1 million in rent, had sold out. Tickets were given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
In September, Trump held a rally in Long Island, New York, where he mentioned his efforts to gain support in the state of New York. In 2020, Biden won the state with a 23-point advantage.
Media analysis suggests that Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden may help boost the Republican candidates’ prospects in entering Congress in the state of New York. The state has seven highly contested seats, which could determine if the party will continue to hold control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
The rally may also garner support for Trump in the neighboring battleground state of Northeast Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has been increasingly becoming a home to New York commuters.
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Harris was on a campaign tour in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is a stronghold for the Democratic party. Her event attracted a crowd of thirty thousand, with singer Beyoncé making an appearance to show support. They discussed topics related to reproductive rights. Harris is set to deliver her final speech from the Oval Lawn in Washington on Tuesday, October 29th, where Trump addressed a crowd before the January 6th, 2021 Capitol event.
She stated, “In times of hardship, when we may feel weary in doing good, we must remember the power at work within us, the sacred power that changed Paul’s life, guided him through a shipwreck, and sustained him through trials.”
Polls show that with just over a week until Election Day, these two competitors are neck and neck in key states that will decide the next president. Over 38 million ballots have been cast.
(This article references reports from Reuters and the Associated Press)