More high-profile visits to NC as Election Day approaches

Former President Donald Trump made his fourth campaign visit to North Carolina in two days, speaking at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Several Republican politicians from North Carolina were there along with former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard.

"You're going to see a lot of me," Trump told the cheering crowd. "We're going to fix it up and make it better than ever. And I'm thrilled to be back in this incredible state."

Several Republican politicians from North Carolina were there along with former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard.

The coliseum was packed Thursday - with the fire marshal having to start turning people away because the building was at capacity in one of Trump's final rallies with just two weeks to go in this election season.

As thousands filed in, people who spoke with ABC11 were full of excitement.

"We came to see Trump because I would not miss it," said Diane Dockeney.

Another man, named Phil, was dressed as Uncle Sam. When asked why he came, he replied: "To see Uncle Don Trump."

A woman named Kristen said she brought her daughter alone to "witness this history."

Dockeney traveled two hours to make it to the rally and arrived 11 hours before the former president spoke to make sure she got in.

"We are here now and so happy," she said. "I'm so excited to see him. I hope I don't start crying when I do see him."

When he finally took the stage, he stayed there for about two hours. Trump talked about the economy, inflation and the border - and his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

He also reflected on the fact that this will be one of his last ever campaign rallies since he first announced he was running for president nearly a decade ago - with just two weeks left of what he says will be his final campaign for the White House.

"We're 14 days from sort of wrapping it up, and we're going to have different kinds of get-togethers," Trump said.

He brought Gabbard out on stage for a few moments.

"To those of you here, those watching at home who are independent-minded people like myself, the Democrat Party has no home for people like us," Gabbard told the crowd.

The former US congresswoman from Hawaii left the Democratic Party in 2022 to become an independent, and on Tuesday night in Greensboro, she announced that she will officially be joining the Republican Party.

"The party that is led by a president who has the courage and the strength to fight for peace," Gabbard said.

As Trump wrapped up his hours-long rally, he urged North Carolinians to get out to the polls.

"Early voting is underway, get your friends, get Alice to get her husband off the couch," Trump said. "And together we will make America great again."

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff campaigned for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris in North Carolina on Tuesday.

Emhoff spoke with volunteers who were preparing to canvass at an event held at a Raleigh home, highlighting outreach efforts to independents and Republicans, a message key in a state in which unaffiliated voters are the largest voting bloc.

"You know what's at stake right now. I don't have to tell you," he said. "But you have to go out there and make the case and just get people to see what is so obvious, what's so clear, and get them to cut through this Trumpian fog."

A campaign staffer told ABC11 volunteers knocked on more than 100,000 doors last week, as they make an all-out push in a state decided by fewer than 75,000 votes four years ago.

After the event, Emhoff, joined by the vice president's sister Maya Harris, made an unannounced stop at Howling Cow Creamery.

From there, the pair visited the Orange County Democratic Headquarters, Emhoff spoke briefly with volunteers who were boxing supplies for Hurricane Helene supporters.

"Kamala is behind you, the Biden-Harris administration is behind you, and the Harris-Walz administration is going to continue to be behind you as North Carolina and everyone here recovers," said Emhoff.

The final stop was a short drive to Cat's Cradle, where both Harris and Emhoff addressed the crowd, each focusing on the importance of voter outreach, specifically in targeting young voters.

"I am so inspired every time I've visited, (and) been near a campus as I've been traveling across this country trying to help voters get to know my sister, because you all are out in force everywhere, and you are already leading," said Harris.

North Carolina is viewed by political analysts as Harris' best flip opportunity, a state that was former President Donald Trump's closest victory in 2020.

"You in North Carolina can flip the whole election for us," said Emhoff.

Team Trump will hold an event Thursday in Winston-Salem with a special canine guest.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice will be in attendance and so will Babydog, his English bulldog that often accompanies the governor at various public functions.

The Washington Post called Babydog a "fixture in West Virginia politics." Babydog has his own X account with more than 4,000 followers.

The event promises "food and fellowship" and will be held at Legacy Stables, 4151 Thomasville Road.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m.

Those wishing to attend can click here for more information.

Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is continuing to campaign in battleground states, including North Carolina.

According to the Harris-Walz campaign, Walz will make a few stops in Durham Thursday morning. From there, he'll head to Greenville for a political stop.

In the evening, Walz will be in Wilmington, where he will speak at a campaign rally.

He will arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport Wednesday night around 8:30 p.m.

He will arrive at RDU on Wednesday night.