Harris, Trump holding rallies in Michigan with Election Day looming
(CBS DETROIT) — Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are making final efforts to gain support from Michigan voters, holding rallies less than two weeks until Election Day.
Trump further denigrated Detroit while appealing for votes at the Suburban Showplace in Novi early Saturday afternoon.
"I think Detroit and some of our areas makes us a developing nation," the former president told supporters in Novi. He said people want him to say Detroit is "great," but he thinks it "needs help."
The Republican nominee for the White House had told an economic group in Detroit earlier this month that the "whole country will end up being like Detroit" if Democrat Kamala Harris wins the presidency. That comment drew harsh criticism from Democrats who praised the city for its recent drop in crime and growing population.
During Saturday's rally, Trump spotlighted local Muslim and Arab American leaders who joined him on stage. These voters "could turn the election one way or the other," Trump said, adding that he was banking on "overwhelming support" from those voters in Michigan.
"When President Trump was president, it was peace," said one of those leaders, Mayor Bill Bazzi of Dearborn Heights. "We didn't have any issues. There was no wars."
On Friday night, Trump spoke to rallygoers at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City. The former President was around three hours late for his appearance, leaving supporters waiting in the cold.
Michelle Obama rallies for Harris in Kalamazoo
Michelle Obama delivered a searing denunciation of Donald Trump on Saturday in Michigan and challenged voters to support Kamala Harris as the United States' first female president.
"By every measure, she has demonstrated that she's ready," the former first lady said. "The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment?"
It was Obama's first appearance on the campaign trail since she spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago over the summer.
She said she fears for the country and struggles to understand why the presidential race remains close.
"I lay awake at night wondering, 'What in the world is going on?'" she said.
Harris was in Houston, Texas Friday for an appearance with superstar Beyoncé. The Vice President was in Detroit last week, appearing with Lizzo.
Norah O'Donnell is talking with with Harris in Kalamazoo this weekend and the interview will air on "Sunday Morning" and other programs and platforms. Margaret Brennan is interviewing Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance for "Face the Nation" Sunday.
Early voting across Michigan began Saturday. The early voting period is held for nine days, but communities can hold additional early voting days, up to 29 days total.