Campaigns set sights on swing states in neck and neck race

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Multiple times in the vice presidential debate, both candidates tried to speak directly to the undecided voters tuning in. At one point, Sen. JD Vance tried to appeal to voters' sense of safety.

“Ask yourself at home, when, when was the last time? I'm 40 years old. When was the last time that an American president didn't have a major conflict, breakout? The only answer is during the four years that Donald Trump was President," Vance said.

For Gov. Tim Walz, he talked to voters about healthcare.

“Those of you listening, this is critical to you. Now, Donald Trump all of a sudden wants you to go back and remember this. He ran on, the first thing he was going to do on day one, was to repeal Obamacare," said Walz.

Both men were speaking to the undecided voters out there because it's those who are still unsure that could sway the entire election.New swing state polling released Wednesday from the nonpartisan Cook Political Report shows how tight the margins are.

Vice President Kamala Harris was leading, but barely, head to head against Donald Trump in five swing states. Trump was ahead by two points in Georgia, and the two candidates were tied in North Carolina.

Any lead Harris or Trump had was within the margin of error of the poll, meaning it’s still a toss-up in the states that might decide the election.

With the race being so close, there are multiple scenarios both campaigns that are likely game-planning for. A Rust Belt sweep by the vice president plus Pennsylvania would seal the deal for Harris. On the other hand, if Trump captured Georgia and North Carolina along with the Keystone State, he would win it.

The map math explains the focus of both campaigns this week. Walz hit Pennsylvania for his first post-debate stop while Vance went to Michigan.

Harris surveyed storm damage in Georgia before planned visits to Wisconsin and Michigan. Meanwhile, Trump will swing through North Carolina and Michigan before returning to the site of his near assassination in Pennsylvania.