Trump, Harris target key Michigan voters on Gaza, economy, women's rights

Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris rallied supporters on Saturday, vying for the state’s pivotal votes. The candidates addressed hot-button issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict, women’s rights, and economic challenges linked to Michigan’s automotive sector.

Speaking to a crowd in suburban Detroit, Trump appealed directly to Michigan’s Arab and Muslim communities, claiming he would bring “peace to the Middle East.” “That’s all they want,” Trump said, after meeting with local imams. Despite his strong support for Israel, Trump is making inroads with some Muslim voters disillusioned by current U.S. policy on Gaza. Imam Belal Alzuhairi of the Islamic Center of Detroit stood alongside Trump, urging Muslims to “stand with President Trump because he promises peace.”

Meanwhile, at a rally in Kalamazoo, First Lady Michelle Obama rallied for Harris, urging voters to recognize the stakes of the election. “I’m a little frustrated that some of us are choosing to ignore Trump’s gross incompetence while asking Kamala to dazzle us at every turn,” Obama stated, highlighting the impact of Trump’s policies on women’s health and economic stability.

Addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict, Harris acknowledged the growing calls for peace: “On the topic of Gaza, we must end that war.” She urged voters to “turn the page on the fear and the divisiveness,” contrasting her vision with what she described as Trump’s “unstable” leadership.

In a tight race, recent polls show Harris narrowly leading Trump nationally at 46% to 43%, with only a 0.5-point lead in Michigan. Early voting is well underway in the state, as both candidates make their final appeals ahead of Election Day on November 5.