Oct 27, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT
Trump takes the stage at Madison Square Garden
"I'm thrilled to be back in this city I love," former President Donald Trump said as he took the stage at New York City's Madison Square Garden.
Trump concludes MSG rally with anti-immigrant rhetoric
Trump was introduced to the stage by Melania in an unannounced appearance.
ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Tal Axelrod, Meredith Deliso, Emily Chang, David Brennan, and Julia Reinstein
Last Updated: October 28, 2024, 6:39 AM EDT
The race for the White House remained essentially a dead heat on Sunday -- with nine days to go until Election Day.
Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech Sunday afternoon at New York's Madison Square Garden. After making several stops in Philadelphia on Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris held a rally there Sunday afternoon.
Key Headlines
- Oct 27, 2024, 10:02 PM EDT
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- Oct 27, 2024, 5:30 PM EDT
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- Oct 27, 2024, 2:16 PM EDT
Here's how the news developed:
Oct 28, 6:03 am
Almost 42 million voters have cast a vote
Almost 42 million Americans have cast a vote through early voting methods, as of Sunday afternoon, according to data from the University of Florida's Election Lab.
The about 41.9 million recorded mail and early in-person votes were evenly split with about 21 million mail ballots returned nationally and about the same cast at in-person early voting polling sites across the country, the data showed.
Early voting options are now open to voters in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Many early voting periods will last until the weekend before Election Day.
Oct 27, 2024, 7:11 PM EDT
Melania Trump speaks at Trump's Madison Square Garden rally
Former President Donald Trump's wife, Melania, took the stage at Madison Square Garden in an unannounced appearance.
Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
"Please welcome our next Commander in chief. My husband, President Donald J. Trump," Melania introduced her husband to a heartfelt embrace from the sold-out crowd.
During her brief statement, the former first lady welcomed supporters to New York by painting the city as the beacon of opportunity; however, her speech turned when she claimed the city had lost its spark due to a declining economy and unsafe environment.
Her remarks foreshadowed her husband's speech as she pointed to immigration and the economy.
"Today, a declining quality of life coupled with economic instability makes it difficult for businesses to thrive," Melania said.
"Crime is on the rise while public safety diminishes, creating an environment where families with young children choose to relocate. And this story repeats itself from coast to coast across our nation. This is America."
Melania closed by asking the crowd to envision a country with a "shared vision that builds on American greatness."
"Envision a wonderful America where the seeds of security, prosperity, and health are so and once again, for the benefit of our families. Let us start together with a shared vision that builds on American greatness. Let's seize this moment and create a country for tomorrow, the future that we deserve."
Oct 27, 2024, 7:06 PM EDT
Elon Musk leads 'USA' chant at Trump's Madison Square Garden rally
Elon Musk took the stage at former President Donald Trump's campaign event at Madison Square Garden Sunday, leading the crowd in a "USA" chant and urging attendees to vote early.
Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Oct 27, 2024, 7:01 PM EDT
Vance claims Harris does not represent change from Biden
Speaking at Madison Square Garden ahead of his running mate, vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance went to bat for former President Donald Trump while attacking the Democratic ticket.
"Now, on the eve of the most important election in our history, the greatest champion of them all, Donald J. Trump, has come to Madison Square Garden," Vance said.
"And I believe in just eight short days, we're going to turn the United States of America and make Donald J. Trump the president of the United States," Vance said.
Vance took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris for her previous comments, saying she wouldn't do anything different from President Joe Biden if elected president.
"She's running on how she's going to be different, but she couldn't name a single thing that she would do differently than Joe Biden. Now I will say that could be the Kamala Harris official campaign slogan, Kamala Harris, nothing comes to mind," Vance said, referencing Harris' recent appearance on "The View."
Earlier this month, Harris was asked whether there is anything she would have done differently than Biden over the past four years.
"There is not a thing that comes to mind in terms of -- and I’ve been a part of most of the decisions that have had impact,” Harris said.
-ABC News' Hannah Demissie
